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Jadeveon Clowney isn’t the only Seahawks defensive lineman headed toward free agency at less than 100 percent health. Quinton Jefferson, one of the unsung heroes on Seattle’s defense in 2019, suffered a broken foot in the divisional round loss to the Packers.
Jefferson exited the game after having played 29 snaps, first heading into the blue medical tent and then into the Seahawks’ locker room. After some time, Jefferson emerged, on crutches. It was reported after the game it was a broken foot.
Quinton Jefferson was in a walking boot in the #Seahawks locker room, source says he broke his foot.
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) January 13, 2020
ESPN’s Josina Anderson had further details on the nature of the injury:
#Seahawks DT Quinton Jefferson told me that he broke his foot during this game in the outside mid-foot area, and he will follow-up with further examination of need be. Also, Jadaveon Clowney said tonight he’s not sure yet abt his future in Seattle, too soon after tonight’s loss.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 13, 2020
It’s a disappointing end to Jefferson’s contract year, one which had a number of positives. The fourth-year player saw the second most snaps among Seattle defensive linemen, and started 12 games for a second consecutive season after previously having been waived by the Seahawks.
Though Jefferson was unable to build upon a hot start, he did reach a career high with 3.5 sacks in what was a strong season.
Quinton Jefferson left some sacks on the board, particularly early in the season, but still a solid contract year in both phases.
— Alistair Corp (@byAlistairCorp) January 2, 2020
Jefferson had a higher pressure percentage (7.5%) than Fletcher Cox, Geno Atkins, Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunjobi and Suh, among others
Capable of playing across the defensive line, Jefferson will surely have interest from a variety of teams looking for depth. Whether that will include the Seahawks or not, we’ll have to wait and see.