The first big domino of the Seattle Seahawks busy offseason has fallen, with slot cornerback Justin Coleman reportedly agreeing to a four-year, $36 million dollar deal with the Detroit Lions. The move reunites him with former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who is now the head coach in Detroit.
While Coleman was great in his two seasons with the Seahawks, it seemed unlikely he would be retained by Seattle.
Now that Coleman is gone, recently re-signed defensive back Akeem King has the inside track on his old nickel back position.
King was a pleasant surprise for Seattle last season, playing in all 16 games as a special teamer and recording 21 combined tackles. He filled in as a nickelback toward the end of the year, and apparently did enough for Seattle to trust him in that role full-time.
However, coach Pete Carroll rarely just hands someone a job. Competition at that position could include defensive back Kalan Reed and special teamer Neiko Thorpe, if they choose to re-sign him. Additionally, a low-cost free agent or a draft pick could compete with King for the job.
At this point however, King looks likely going to be Seattle’s starter at the nickelback position in 2019.
