Michael Robinson released, Antoine Winfield retires... When the Seahawks reached the league-mandated 53-man roster limit on Saturday, Robinson, a Pro Bowl-caliber fullback and special teams co-captain, had his contract terminated; while Winfield, a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback with the Minnesota Vikings who was signed during the offseason to be the nickel back, decided to retire after the team terminated his contract. Robinson was the lead blocker for All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch, who has rushed for 2,794 yards and 23 touchdowns the past two seasons. But Robinson missed the final two preseason games because of a virus, which allowed second-year back Derrick Coleman and sixth-round draft choice Spencer Ware to show they could play the fullback position. The Seahawks also lined up tight ends Zach Miller and Luke Willson at the fullback spot during the preseason. “Derrick shows that he can do it,” running backs coach Sherman Smith said of Coleman during training camp. “He’s got the want-to and he’s a very intelligent guy, so he’s handling it mentally. He’s doing a nice job. I think the guy has a chance to be a good fullback in this league.” Winfield was expected to replace long-time starter Marcus Trufant, who filled the nickel back spot last season (Trufant was released on Saturday by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed him in free agency). But fourth-year cornerback Walter Thurmond outplayed Winfield during the preseason. So the 36-year-old Winfield decided to call it a career – a 14-season NFL career. The Seahawks also traded for defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith, pending physical examinations. The Jacksonville Jaguars will get an undisclosed future draft choice if the deal is finalized.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:05:47 +0000
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