Free Agency 2018: Seattle Seahawks re-sign DE Marcus Smith

The Seattle Seahawks have not only brought back running back Mike Davis, but they’ve also re-signed defensive end Marcus Smith, who agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $2.7 million, per ESPN’s Josina Anderson. Smith then tweeted confirmation of his return to the team on Twitter.

Smith signed with the Seahawks last July after he was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him 26th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft but were left disappointed with his lack of production. The 25-year-old played 23% of all Seahawks defensive snaps (254 plays), and recorded 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and had a pass defensed.

If there’s one game that stands out as the best one of Smith’s young career, it’s the October win vs. the Indianapolis Colts. Deputizing for an injured Cliff Avril, Smith recorded a strip-sack of Jacoby Brissett late in the 3rd quarter, which Bobby Wagner turned into what was effectively the touchdown that put things out of Indy’s reach. Smith also had a strip-sack of C.J. Beathard in Seattle’s 24-13 victory over San Francisco in November.

With Michael Bennett gone and Avril’s future in doubt, Smith will likely see an increased role in Seattle’s rotation. His limited playing time in 2017 provided enough reason to be optimistic about him turning his career around and making himself a bigger factor on the defensive line, so I think it’s a good thing that he’s back for another season.