The Seattle Seahawks are reshuffling their roster, reinforcing their defensive line with familiar and fresh faces alike. Among the standout additions is former XFL player Matthew Gotel, who is returning to the Seahawks’ fold. He is the 56th XFL player to sign an NFL contract.
Matthew Gotel’s Return to the Seahawks
Tacoma native, Matthew Gotel, known for his dominant presence in the defensive line, is making his way back to the Seattle Seahawks. Gotel, an undrafted free agent, previously made two preseason appearances with Seattle last year. Following his brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons in training camp this year, he found success in the XFL with the San Antonio Brahmas.
His championship win in Division II at the University of West Florida and his final collegiate season record of 26 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks, demonstrate his potential. The Seahawks have recognized Gotel’s skill and are likely expecting significant contributions from the nose tackle.
Additional Roster Moves
Alongside Gotel, the Seahawks welcomed cornerback Montrae Braswell and receiver Justin Marshall. Braswell, a 5-foot-10 standout cornerback, boasts an impressive record at Missouri State. The undrafted rookie Justin Marshall, who performed admirably at the University of Buffalo, will add depth to the receiving corps.
To accommodate these signings, Seattle has waived running back Wayne Taulapapa, tight end Noah Gindorff, and receiver Ra’Shaun Henry. Henry will revert to the team’s injured reserve list if he clears waivers.
Preseason Dynamics
These roster moves come as part of the ongoing preseason carousel. The signing of Gotel, Braswell, and Marshall emphasizes Seattle’s strategy to explore various talent options, leveraging XFL and undrafted players, ahead of the regular season.
For Gotel, his prior experience with the Seahawks and his success in the XFL might provide a perfect pathway to solidify his spot in the NFL.
The Seahawks have until August 29 to finalize their 53-man roster. With these latest moves, they’ve showcased a clear intention to experiment, innovate, and ensure they are well-prepared for the upcoming season. The addition of former XFL player Matthew Gotel may prove to be an essential piece of that puzzle.
