The Seahawks are adding another name to their cornerback mix, landing undrafted rookie Avery Smith from the Chargers in a trade that sends Los Angeles a 2027 sixth-round pick, according to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero on Sunday.
The deal surfaced about three hours before the NFL’s 3 p.m. roster cutdown deadline.
Smith, who checks in at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, had been drawing notice in Chargers camp. ESPN’s Los Angeles reporter Kris Rhim called him a training camp standout.
A two-year starter at Toledo, Smith earned second-team All-MAC honors in each of those seasons. His production kept climbing: in 2024, he posted two interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
In 2025, he added one interception, 11 pass breakups, five tackles for loss and a forced fumble. He also made his presence felt on special teams, blocking one kick in each of those two seasons.
His preseason work showed a player with some flexibility. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith played 141 defensive snaps and also saw action on offense, catching six of eight targets for 47 yards and a touchdown.
He finished the preseason with one pass breakup and four pressures. He also lined up all over the defense, logging 61 snaps in the slot, 52 at outside corner and 24 in the box.
Seattle is bringing him into a crowded cornerback room. Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe are set as the top two corners, but the third spot has been unsettled since Riq Woolen left in free agency.
The main contenders for that CB3 role include third-year pro Nehemiah Pritchett, free-agent pickup Noah Igbinoghene and recently signed Trevon Diggs. Rookie third-round pick Julian Neal was also expected to be in the mix, though he missed most of camp with an undisclosed injury.
The Seahawks also added former first-round pick Terrion Arnold on Saturday, though he’s facing eight felony charges and is expected to be placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list while his legal case plays out.
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