The Seahawks pulled off a trade Tuesday evening, sending tight end Nick Vannett to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2020 fifth-round draft pick, and it appears that Seattle has already found his replacement.
“Look for the Seahawks to bring back a familiar name to replace him: Luke Willson, who is expected to sign tomorrow,” Adam Caplan tweeted shortly after the news broke of Vannett’s trade.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times backed up Caplan’s report.
Willson, who was originally selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft out of Rice, is a free agent. After spending the 2018 season with the Lions, Willson signed with the Raiders this spring but was released during Oakland’s final roster cuts.
Upon signing with Seattle, Willson could immediately step into Vannett’s No. 2 spot behind Will Dissly, who is having an impressive start to the regular season.
The Seahawks have a few other options at tight end as well, including George Fant and Jacob Hollister, who is on Seattle’s practice squad. Ed Dickson, who started the year on injured reserve, could be activated when eligible to return after Week 8.
