With players returning to the VMAC Monday for the beginning of the Seahawks' offseason workout program, several players signed restricted free agent or exclusive rights free agent tenders on Monday.
Tackle George Fant and defensive end Quinton Jefferson, who were both restricted free agents, signed after being tendered qualifying offers prior to the start of the new league year in March. Fant, who originally joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2016, was tendered at the second-round level, while Jefferson, a fifth-round pick, was an original-round tender.
Fant, who came back from a knee injury that cost him the entire 2017 season, took on a new role in 2018 as a big tight end/sixth lineman, frequently playing a third or more of Seattle's offensive snaps in any given game while helping pave the way for the Seahawks' NFL-leading rushing attack. He also caught one pass for 9 yards. Jefferson started 12 games at defensive end, recording 26 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
The Seahawks also signed nine of their exclusive rights free agents: linebacker Austin Calitro, linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee, center Joey Hunt, defensive end Branden Jackson, safety Shalom Luani, running back J.D. McKissic, long snapper Tyler Ott, cornerback Kalan Reed and guard Jordan Simmons.
Additionally, linebacker Emmanuel Beal, who was waived by Seattle on Friday, cleared waivers and is now a free agent. Kicker Sam Ficken, who was also waived Friday, was claimed by the Green Bay Packers.
