The Seattle Seahawks struck again in the latest stage of free agency, agreeing to terms with cornerback Jamar Taylor one day after coming to terms with pass rusher Ziggy Ansah.
Taylor is a six-year NFL veteran who has played for four different teams since he was selected in the second round out of Boise State back in 2013.
He was at his best in 2016, when he recorded three interceptions for the Browns. He earned a very solid 77.7 grade from Pro Football Focus that season, ranking 16th in the league among cornerbacks.
He was solid again in 2017 but had an extremely rough 2018 season. Playing for the Cardinals and the Broncos, Taylor only earned a 39.4 grade from PFF, which ranked No. 129 out of 131 qualifying cornerbacks.
Carroll and the Seahawks are known for signing players who have previous NFL success but are coming off rough campaigns, so this signing definitely fits their mold.
Plus, Taylor has experience playing in the slot and on the outside, which could make him a candidate to be either Seattle’s starting nickelback or a versatile backup who can fill in at multiple positions.
The terms of Taylor’s contract have not been revealed, but it is unlikely that he has guarantees, so he is effectively coming into camp to try to win a job in Seattle’s crowded secondary.
Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers are locked into their roles on the outside, and Seattle has Akeem King, Kalan Reed, Jeremy Boykins and Neiko Thorpe in the fold as well — not to mention rookie Ugo Amadi, who played a surprising amount in the slot during rookie minicamp.
That list could also include Derrek Thomas and Davante Davis, two undrafted free agent corners who Seattle signed after the NFL draft.
With so many bodies in camp, and only a few spots available, Taylor will have to work hard to prove that he is capable of being the player he was in 2016, and not the player he was last season.
If he is able to do that, he could carve out a very important role for the Seahawks in 2019.
