Cornerback Justin Coleman, one of the Seahawks' breakout players last season, made it official that he will be back in 2018, signing the restricted free agent tender that Seattle extended earlier this month.
Coleman arrived in Seattle just before the start of the 2017 season in a trade that turned out to be a great bargain for the Seahawks, who acquired him from New England for a seventh-round pick.
Coleman took over the nickel corner spot early in the season and played very well in that role, including recording the first two interceptions of his career, both of which he returned for touchdowns. Coleman, who had 35 tackles and nine passes defensed, also showed a knack for rushing the passer on corner blitzes, recording 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits. He was also one of Seattle's top special teams players, recording seven tackles, which were tied for second most on the team.
"He's had a terrific year for us," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said after Coleman's pick-six helped the Seahawks to a Week 16 victory in Dallas. "Again, I go back to John (Schneider) figuring it out with his guys, picking him out of the numbers of guys that are out there that could fit us and do well, and he did a terrific job for us today. He's been good for us all year… He's been effective all year long. He's been really good. He's just a really good nickel cover guy. Terrific skills and timing, competitiveness. He was battling against some really good guys today, and held up really well."
