Seahawks re-sign Bryan Walters, waive Phil Bates

In a somewhat unusual move, the Seahawks re-signed receiver Bryan Walters Monday, just two days after releasing him, and waived receiver Phil Bates, who made the 53-man roster when it was set this weekend.

Roster churn this time of year is commonplace, but what makes this a bit odd is that if the Seahawks indeed like Walters over Bates, which this move would indicate, then why risk losing Walters to another team in the last two days. There is no financial reason to release, then re-sign Walters, who was already making a minimum salary, and this injury is said to not be injury related. Perhaps the Seahawks thought Walters had a better chance of clearing waivers than Bates, and this was a way to get Bates onto their practice squad. If that was the case, they can accomplish their end goal if Bates clears waivers Tuesday, something more likely now than three days earlier when teams were shuffling rosters, but it seems like a bit of a risk if Walters was the player the Seahawks ultimately valued more on the 53-man roster.

The Seahawks also filled out their 10-man practice squad by signing DE Julius Warmsley and DB Josh Aubrey. It’s worth remembering, however, that practice squads fluctuate frequently, so things could change soon, especially if the goal was indeed to get Bates on the practice squad.