Seattle Seahawks and Marcus Trufant part ways – NFL News Update
Seattle Seahawks have released cornerback, Marcus Trufant, whose last National Football League (NFL) season was marred by a back injury.
The decision to cut Trufant, a nine-year veteran, was formally announced on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.
Trufant started his professional NFL career in 2003 with Seahawks. He has been playing for the team as a regular starter since his first season.
Seahawks put their franchise tag on Trufant in 2008 and later in that year, both parties agreed to a sign a new six-year, $50.2 million deal, which also guaranteed a $10 million signing bonus.
However, he is now released by team with some years still left in the contract.
Trufant could only play four games in the last season and recorded 23 tackles before being sidelined due to the injury.
After the release, Trufant will be able to explore free agency market next week and might find a potential suitor there.
While announcing the release, Seahawks’ general manager, John Schneider, appreciated the player’s services, but also maintained that such decisions are a part of this business.
A statement from the general manager read:
“Out of respect for Marcus and his family, we’ve decided to release him today so that he has an opportunity to explore the full window of unrestricted free agency and the options that go along with it.”
It added:
“Marcus has done so much for this organisation, but because of the changing landscape of the NFL, tough decisions have to be made and this is the correct thing to do at this time.”
This decision has not come as a surprise and different reports had earlier suggested that Seahawks would release Trufant.
At the beginning of the training camp in 2011 when Trufant was about his stance if released by the team, he said:
"You just know that's part of the game. And eventually something like that is going to happen. But you've just got to be ready for it mentally, and be able to be strong and move on."
Meanwhile, different reports have also claimed that Seahawks have contacted veteran quarterback, Peyton Manning, who was released by Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday.
Although no official confirmation was made, it would not be surprising to see not just Seahawks but many other teams of the league expressing interest in hiring Manning.
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