Seattle Seahawks: 3 Players fighting for roster spot vs. Raiders
By Samuel Teets
Austin Calitro, LB
Calitro was a contributor on the Seahawks last season when injuries to other linebackers necessitated his involvement. The former undrafted free agent stepped up and played in all 16 games while starting in five. He finished the year with 45 combined tackles and a half-sack.
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Unfortunately for Calitro, Seattle drafted two linebackers in this year’s draft. That doesn’t usually bode well for job security. Fifth-round pick Ben Burr-Kirven was hyper-productive in college, amassing 176 combined tackles in his senior season. He won’t be in the linebacker rotation, but Burr-Kirven will play a role on special teams.
The biggest problem for Calitro is third-round selection Cody Barton. The Utah product has impressed Seahawks coaches with his playmaking ability and how well he’s learned the defense. Again, Barton taking part in regular snaps at linebacker doesn’t seem imminent. However, he has taken the backup role away from Calitro. In a sense, Barton’s rise has made Calitro more expendable.
Given the injuries to K.J. Wright last year, the legal situation with Mychal Kendricks, and the youth of other backups, Seattle might keep Calitro. He has to know though that his spot on the roster isn’t guaranteed. A big Week 4 performance to remind Seattle’s coaches of what he did last season could help stabilize Calitro’s stock.