Former Rams cornerback immediately causes Seahawks roster shake-up

The Los Angeles Rams released cornerback Derion Kendrick because, quite frankly, the team had multiple better players who deserved a roster spot more. But his release was hardly the end of the road for his NFL career. LA almost certainly had hoped to re-sign him to the practice squad. There, he could finally fully heal from his devastating 2024 ACL injury. He deserves the time to fully recover.

He won't find that time now that he's been claimed by the Seattle Seahawks, an NFC West Division rival that has suddenly found a new appreciation for former Rams players. The team traded with the Tennessee Titans to acquire former Horns linebacker Ernest Jones IV and signed WR Cooper Kupp to a multi-year contract after his release. Seattle claimed CB Derion Kendrick off the waiver wire. And they even signed just-released ILB Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr. to the practice squad.

But claiming a player off waivers requires the team to create a roster spot within hours of being awarded said player. So, the Seahawks are waiving veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin to make room for Kendrick. The thing is, Griffin may be the better player. Well, he certainly held his own per his 2025 grades from Pro Football Focus, at any rate.

Seahawks give Shaq Griffin the boot to clear roster spot for Derion Kendrick

Derion Kendrick is a 25-year-old cornerback who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 190 pounds. He sat out the entire 2024 NFL season after suffering a devastating ACL injury. Before the injury, he was a part-time starter on defense who showed signs of progress and development. However, his release did not suggest he was expected to return via the practice squad.

But the Seahawks claimed him off waivers, and in doing so, released veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin. That’s a chain of events they may come to regret.

Kendrick is the younger player. He has appeared in 32 games with 18 starts over the last three seasons and is coming off a serious ACL injury. He’s recorded 92 tackles, broken up 14 passes, snagged one interception, and allowed a completion rate of 61.8 percent while surrendering five touchdowns. He isn’t a sure-handed tackler either, missing 11.5 percent of his chances to bring down the ball carrier.

Griffin is the seasoned veteran, appearing in 106 games with 82 starts. Over his career, he’s recorded 407 tackles, broken up 70 passes, hauled in nine interceptions, and allowed a 62.4 percent completion rate while surrendering 22 touchdowns. Interestingly, since 2022, he’s given up just four scores despite starting 16 games.

Was the move influenced by advice from Kupp or Jones? Otherwise, the chain of events makes little sense. Kendrick didn’t make the roster in the secondary, where he competed for the past three seasons, but will he instantly upgrade Seattle’s defense? That’s a tough sell.

What’s done is done. By claiming Kendrick, the Seahawks have committed to keeping him on their active roster for at least four weeks. Cutting a veteran cornerback to make room opens the door to plenty of second-guessing. Rams fans can wash their hands of the situation. Seahawks fans are just getting their first taste of it. As always, thanks for reading.

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