After an 11-year career that has seen him play for five different franchises, defensive end Chris Clemons is retiring. The Seattle Seahawks' official public relations Twitter account announced the move along with a number of other roster moves in a tweet, writing, “The @Seahawks have released LS Drew Ferris, placed DE Chris Clemons on res/retired list and signed SS Keenan Lambert and RB Cameron Marshall. “
Clemons was back in Seattle after signing as a free agent following his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran has previously spent four seasons with the team.
The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell passed along a quote from head coach Pete Carroll on the situation. The reporter tweeted, “Pete Carroll confirms DE Chris Clemons is retiring after 13 NFL seasons: ‘He just didn’t want to do it anymore’ #Seahawks.”
Since entering the league in 2004, the versatile defender has seen time with four other franchises other than Seattle. He broke into the league with Washington before joining the Oakland Raiders in 2007. Following his stint in the Bay Area, the defensive end spent two seasons in Philadelphia before joining Seattle in a 2010 trade.
The Seahawks sent fellow defensive end Darryl Tapp to Philadelphia for Clemons and a fourth-round pick.
Clemons flourished in Seattle. After totaling 20 sacks in his first five seasons in the NFL, the defender racked up 11 alone in his first season in the Pacific Northwest. The Georgia product would go on to collect 38 sacks in his four years with the Hawks, including 11 in 2011 and 11.5 in 2012. Clemons also helped Seattle to the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory.
For his career, the defensive end, who has also seen time at linebacker, put up 200 tackles, 69 sacks, 25 pass deflections and 22 forced fumbles in 162 games. Clemons also added seven fumble recoveries and two touchdowns.
Impact on Seattle’s current roster
With Clemons retired, Seattle is left with the veteran trio of Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, and Ahtyba Rubin, as well as a number of youngsters. Promising and upcoming defensive tackle Jordan Hill will likely play a larger role. Additionally, another defensive lineman with exceptional potential, Frank Clark, should also continue his development.
Recent second-round pick, Jarran Reed, was widely regarded as a first-round talent. Having fallen to Seattle in the second round, the Alabama product should also compete for playing time early.
The Hawks other defensive line options include the likes of Tavaris Barnes, Justin Hamilton, Quinton Jefferson, Montese Overton, Taniela Tupou and DeAngelo Tyson.
Considering how Seattle likes to rotate their defensive lineman throughout games to keep players fresh, any players who make Seattle’s roster at the position will likely see playing time during the upcoming season.