Veteran Seahawks defender passes his physical

Nwosu opened training camp on the active/PUP list while rehabbing from offseason knee surgery. Given Sunday’s news, though, he is cleared to be activated and take part in team drills. It would come as a surprise if he played in Seattle’s final preseason contest, but reps in practice will be in store moving forward.

Provided Nwosu is indeed available for Week 1, his presence will be welcomed. The 2022 free agent addition delivered a career-high 9.5 sacks during his debut Seattle campaign. Since then, however, injuries have been a persistent issue. Nwosu played just six games in 2023 due to a pectoral injury, and a combination of ailments again cost him 11 contests last season.

As expected, then, team and player negotiated a restructured contract this offseason. Nwosu agreed to a pay cut for 2025, and none of his scheduled salary ($11M) for next year is guaranteed. A paring of ways could therefore be in store after the coming campaign depending on how things play out regarding the 28-year-old’s level of play and availability.

The Seahawks have Boye Mafe and Derick Hall set to return in 2025. Both rookie-contract performers will again be counted on to contribute along the edge as the team looks to reach the postseason. Free agent signing DeMarcus Lawrence is also in the mix after he inked a three-year pact in March, ending his lengthy Cowboys tenure in the process. Nwosu will be expected to handle starting duties while seeing time with those three once he is back on the field.

Head coach Mike Macdonald cautioned (via Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic) it is uncertain if Nwosu will suit up in time for Week 1. A long-term approach to his ramp-up process would of course be reasonable from the team’s perspective. In any case, today’s news paves the way for a return to practice and what all parties hope will be a healthy campaign.