The Seahawks added a little bit of veteran depth today by signing a trio of free agents - former Arizona Cardinal offensive guard Deuce Lutui, former Buccaneer and Titan middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, and Seahawks free agent cornerback/nickelback Roy Lewis.
G Deuce Lutui, 28, is a former USC Trojan that played for Pete Carroll at USC before becoming a 2nd round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2006. Lutui played well for the Cardinals early in his career before weight become an issue for him, and when he went to sign with the Bengals as a free-agent last season, he failed his physical because of that. He re-signed with the Cardinals and played sparingly for them in 2011 before going to the IR for most of the year.
If he's able to get to a good playing weight and stay healthy though, he's a solid guard option as depth, in theory, for the Hawks, or even possibly as a starter with the departure of Robert Gallery and the injury to John Moffitt's knee from last season. If Moffitt is unable to come back from that injury to start the year and Lutui performs in camp, he has a chance to see some playing time, at least until Moffitt is back. It's unclear whether he'd be comfortable on the left side after playing mostly at right guard in his career, but it's a solid depth signing as long as his weight is no longer a big issue.
Barrett Ruud, also 28, is another former 2nd round pick that was chosen by the Buccaneers in 2006 with the 36th pick, out of Nebraska. He's 6'2, 241, and figures to compete for the job at middle linebacker in 2011 with K.J. Wright or any incoming Draft picks there.
Roy Lewis has been with the Seahawks the Seahawks since being claimed off of waivers from the Steelers in 2009. He's a special teams captain that can play some nickel slot.
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