Former Texans linebacker Brian Cushing visiting Seahawks
Former Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing is set to visit with the Seattle Seahawks. The news came out after Seattle began what appears to be a tear down of their roster. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Tweeted the news.
More #Seahawks potential moves: Former #Texans LB Brian Cushing is visiting Seattle today. The shakeup on D continues?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2018
Of course Rapoport is mentioning Seattle’s trade of Michael Bennett to Philadelphia. Along with this trade rumored departures of Richard Sherman, Cliff Avril and Kam Chancellor. Rapoport mentioned a possible Bennett move earlier in the day.
The #Seahawks likely won’t have Cliff Avril or Kam Chancellor on the field this year. Now, Richard Sherman. … And Michael Bennett could be traded soon. That is some massive turnover for a franchise that has been on top for years. A fascinating situation for GM John Schneider.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2018
Cushing would certainly be a placeholder as the team looks to begin a rebuild of sorts. While he can contribute his age will be a concern. Cushing is over 30. Add in his age with injuries and PED violations and it is not a good combination.
Cushing played under head coach Pete Carroll in college at USC. The familiarity between the two could lead to a short-term deal which benefits both sides. During his time at USC Cushing was one of the best linebackers in college football. Carroll certainly helped Cushing develop into a player worthy of a first round draft pick. It now appears that Cushing is moving on to a new team rather than return to Houston.
The Houston Texans selected Cushing with the 15th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Cushing won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2009. His production early in his career led to being a Pro Bowl player in 2009 and a two-time All Pro selection (2009 and 2011). Cushing finished his Texans career with 674 combined tackles, 13.5 sacks and eight interceptions. Cushing’s lone defensive touchdown came off an interception return in 2013. The Texans chose to move on from Cushing due to the remaining money on his contract and production from younger players.