Shaquill Griffin Makes His Return to Seattle

A familiar face is making a return to Seattle this week with the announcement that 2017 third-round pick Shaquill Griffin is set to rejoin the Seattle Seahawks—a reunion the team officially confirmed on Wednesday. Griffin has agreed to a one-year contract reportedly valued at $3 million, with the potential to escalate to $4 million through performance-based incentives.

After completing his rookie contract with the Seahawks in 2020, Griffin entered free agency and signed a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, bringing him back to his home state of Florida. However, following the 2022 season, the Jaguars released him, and since then, Griffin has moved around the league, spending time with the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and, most recently, the Minnesota Vikings. It was with the Vikings that Griffin experienced his best season since his departure from Seattle, showcasing glimpses of the talent and promise that originally made him a standout defensive back.

At the time of Griffin’s signing, the Seahawks were already at their 90-man roster limit—technically 91 due to the international player exception—meaning a corresponding roster move was necessary to accommodate his return. To free up space, former Los Angeles Chargers third-round cornerback JT Woods was placed on waivers just four months after signing a reserve/future contract with Seattle. Woods, who initially played safety with the Chargers, had switched positions to cornerback ahead of the 2024 season in hopes of better fitting the Seahawks’ defensive scheme. This roster shuffle underscores Seattle’s ongoing strategy of balancing seasoned veterans with emerging talent as they strive to build a competitive and cohesive team for the coming season.

According to Pro Football Reference, quarterbacks have completed only 54.4 percent of their passes when targeting Griffin, with a passer rating of just 75.8—highlighting his continued effectiveness in pass coverage.

While Griffin is familiar with the Seahawks’ environment, much has changed since he last donned the team’s uniform in 2020. The coaching staff has undergone significant transformation, with head coach Mike Macdonald, defensive coordinator Aden Durde, and defensive backs coach Karl Scott all hired after Griffin’s departure. Moreover, the secondary itself is almost unrecognizable in its current form.

Griffin’s return, therefore, represents both a nod to the team’s past and an opportunity to merge veteran savvy with new schemes and leadership, as Seattle looks to solidify its defense and make a strong push in the coming season.