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While one Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman is staying, another is on his way out.
The Buffalo Bills, who have been extremely active already this offseason, have agreed to a two-year deal (terms not yet disclosed) with Quinton Jefferson.
The #Bills are expected to sign #Seahawks DE Quinton Jefferson to a 2-year deal, source said. An underrated starter in Seattle.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
Jefferson tweeted his goodbye to Seattle.
It’s been real Seattle! Nothing but love .
— Quinton jefferson (@Q_JEFF) March 17, 2020
Q-Jeff has been a versatile member of Seattle’s defensive line. He has played both defensive end and defensive tackle, and was one of the Seahawks’ more effective pass rushers — low bar, I know — in 2019.
Quinton Jefferson had more pressures on the QB (39) in 401 pass rush snaps last year than Jordan Phillips had (38) in 548 pass rush snaps over the last two seasons combined per PFF.
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) March 18, 2020
Jefferson is also a superior run defender.
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Jefferson was drafted by the Seahawks in 2016 but saw his rookie year cut short with a knee injury. He was waived in 2017, signed with the Los Angeles Rams, but was brought back via the practice squad after the Rams let him go. Jefferson turned into a regular part of the rotation in 2018, starting 24 regular season games and playing in 30 of 32.
He’ll no doubt be a valuable addition to an already impressive Bills defense, which also added former Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Vernon Butler to the fold.
Depending on what happens with Germain Ifedi, C.J. Prosise, and Joey Hunt (who was tendered), there’s a chance that Jarran Reed will be the only player from the 2016 NFL Draft who’s still with the Seahawks.