Seahawks Acquire Kentwan Balmer
By author
According to reports, the Seattle Seahawks have acquired defensive end Kentwan Balmer from the San Francisco 49ers for a late-round pick. The NFL Network is reporting the 49ers will receive a conditional sixth-round pick as compensation.
Kentwan Balmer has mostly been a disappointment in San Francisco. Like Lawrence Jackson – Balmer was selected one spot after Jackson in the 2008 NFL Draft – he has not fulfilled the expectations of a first-round investment.
In two seasons, Balmer has not started a game or recorded a single sack. Last year, his season was shortened by a shoulder injury that put him on the injured reserve in early December.
In addition to a lack of production, Balmer has also been quite the distraction in San Francisco. Here is a quick report of why Balmer fell out of favor from Niner Noise, FanSided’s 49ers blog:
"Balmer so far has been a bust and regulated to the bench in his two seasons in the NFL. He missed the last month of last season due to injury and he was expected to win the starting job at defensive tackle. Now not only is his starting role in jeopardy but his roster spot is as well. Singletary was not happy when Balmer did not show up on Wednesday and showed it by working out an undisclosed defensive end on Wednesday.I think what Singletary is upset about the most is that Balmer has made no contact with Singletary or the 49ers since he has gone missing. The 49ers plan to fine Balmer the maximum amount of $16,000 per day for each practice he misses."
Apparently, Balmer has been absent to handle personal issues. According to ESPN, the personal issue he has been dealing with has to do with an NCAA investigation of his alma mater North Carolina. Balmer allegedly paid former UNC player Cam Thomas and current UNC player Marvin Austin to travel with him to work out in 2009.
At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Balmer possesses good size but has a lot to prove at the professional level. He was originally drafted as a defensive tackle, but was moved to defensive end in San Francisco’s 3-4 scheme. For now, he seems like good depth for Seattle’s newer, bigger defensive line.
The San Francisco 49ers obviously made the right move by dumping Kentwan Balmer. He was a first-round bust and distraction in training camp. In Seattle, hopefully Balmer resurfaces without off-field distractions and is ready to play football.
John Schneider and Seattle’s front office haven’t been shy about taking chances on former first-round draft picks. Kentwan Balmer isn’t the first player who will be given the opportunity to resurrect his career in Seattle.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
Follow 12th Man Rising