NFL notes: Seahawks re-sign FB Will Tukuafu, DT Jesse Williams for depth, versatility
The Seattle Seahawks re-signed free-agent fullback Will Tukuafu and defensive tackle Jesse Williams on Wednesday to contracts for 2015.
Tukuafu also played on the defensive line after the Seahawks signed him in the wake of starting fullback Derrick Coleman breaking his foot during warmups for the Oct. 21 game at St. Louis. San Francisco gave Tukuafu an injury settlement in October; the former Oregon Duck then had a career rebirth in three months playing for the Seahawks.
Williams, a native of Australia who was Seattle’s fifth-round choice in the 2013 draft out of Alabama, returns weeks after the team released him in a procedural contract move. He’s missed each of his first two NFL seasons while on injured reserve with knee injuries.
By the end of last season Tukuafu had established himself as a valued role player on both sides of the Seahawks’ line.
“It’s such a rare accomplishment for anybody for it to happen. You can’t remember guys that can do stuff like this,” coach Pete Carroll said in late December of Tukuafu playing both ways. “A 285-pound fullback? That’s pretty cool. And he lays the wood.”
Even after bringing back Tukuafu and Williams, expect the Seahawks to continue to search for new defensive linemen through the draft.
The defensive line remains an area in need of depth and versatility, especially with 30-year-old starting defensive tackle Brandon Mebane trying to come back from a torn hamstring.
Around the league
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back linebacker Rolando McClain after the former top-10 pick revived his career with a solid season. The one-year deal is worth $3 million. McClain had trouble staying on the field last year because of various injuries but still finished second on the team with 108 tackles. … The New Orleans Saints agreed to a one-year contract extension with veteran right guard Jahri Evans and signed cornerback Kyle Wilson to a one-year contract. … The Cincinnati Bengals signed receiver and kick returner Brandon Tate to a new deal, adding to their depth at both positions.