Seattle Seahawks: Byron Maxwell return offers upside in secondary
By Derek Acosta
The Seattle Seahawks bring back a familiar face in Byron Maxwell to improve the secondary.
The Seattle Seahawks are bringing back former Legion of Boom member, Byron Maxwell, on a one-year deal. Maxwell was drafted by Seattle in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft. Maxwell spent four seasons in Seattle and was a big part of their Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2014.
He cashed in after a good season and signed a six-year, $63 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Maxwell had an up and down season in his only year in Philadelphia. The Eagles then used Maxwell in a trade with the Dolphins to acquire the eighth overall pick from the Dolphins. This pick was later used to trade up with Cleveland to select Carson Wentz.
After losing cornerback Richard Sherman to the rival 49ers, Seattle needed to bring in some help at the position. They decided to bring in the veteran corner after only selecting hybrid corner/safety, Tre Flowers, in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Maxwell plays an aggressive style of corner, which has lead to 11 career interceptions. This aggressive play has also given Maxwell a bad reputation as a corner who holds receivers. Seattle is an organization that accepts this aggressive style of play from its players.
While Maxwell may not be the same corner that he was during his first stint in Seattle, he can still be a serviceable starter. Maxwell has familiarity with Pete Carroll’s defensive system and will transition with ease. Maxwell should start immediately across from returning starter, Shaquill Griffin.
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This may not be the same Legion of Boom from their Super Bowl run, they should form a formidable duo in the secondary. If the Maxwell signing does not pan out, look for Justin Coleman or Neiko Thorpe to potentially start across from Griffin in the new-look defensive backfield.