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Seahawks sign CB Terrell Thomas

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Al Bello

The Seahawks will sign former Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas, per multiple reports. I haven't seen confirmation from the team yet, but there's certainly logic in it if it proves to be true.

Thomas was formerly a standout corner for Pete Carroll's USC Trojans and was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 Draft. From what I've seen/heard, he's played well when he manages to stay healthy -- he has experience in the nickel and on the outside -- but knee injuries have derailed what looked like a very promising career. He missed both the 2011 and 2012 seasons and has now torn his ACL three times (including one in college). While he was able to play in all 16 games last year for the Giants, teams are obviously leery about his ability to stay on the field.

"I understand that," Thomas told SIRIUSXM Radio, "but I played in 18 games last year, and I've still got tread left on these tires."

Thomas has noted that this is the first time in several years that he's been able to spend the offseason working out rather than rehabbing a knee injury, and it looks like he's really motivated to keep playing in the league.

Watch this:

Seahawky attitude.

"This NFL game is not loyal," Thomas said. "It's a part of business. I understand it and I respect it. As a veteran, I'm a plug-in starter. I don't need to go through OTAs, through minicamps to get reps. . . . I can go in and play right now. So I'll be ready whenever my number's called, whenever the right team picks me. All I need is one team to love me. All I need is one team to give me an opportunity. My play speaks for itself."

Seattle is pretty much set at the outside cornerback position with Richard Sherman, Byron Maxwell, and in theory Tharold Simon, who has been getting great reviews in camp, and have their starter in the slot in Jeremy Lane. However, the depth at the nickel spot is definitely tenuous, and there's competition there between Phillip Adams, Akeem Auguste, and A.J. Jefferson.

If I had to predict the team's 'fifth' cornerback on the final 53-man roster, I might throw out the guess that it'd be Jefferson, but that kind of shows you how open the competition is right now. Meaning, if Thomas ends up coming into camp as a 29-year old veteran and Pete Carroll alum, he might have a legitimate shot at the roster, particularly because he can also play outside if called upon. The experience in Carroll's system -- the footwork, the scheme, the timing, etc., should aid him greatly in working to find a roster spot.

As for his fit with the team -- just based on what I've read from news stories out of New York, it seems as though Thomas was very highly respected in the locker room and has now really overcome a crazy amount of injuries to try and stick in the league. You know how the Seahawks have looked for this particular type of character in their players.