Additional Cuts Include Julius Jones, Jordan Babineaux

On Saturday, the Seahawks trimmed their roster down to 53 players. As it turns out, the initial cuts were only the beginning for John Schneider and the Seattle Seahawks.

On Sunday, the Seahawks continued to churn and trim their roster, cutting several veterans and signing players released by other teams around the league.

Here is a quick list of who the Seahawks released yesterday:

Jordan Babineaux had been with the Seahawks since 2004 after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. For most of his career, Babineaux excelled as the third cornerback in nickel packages; his ability to make timely plays earned him the nickname Big Play Babs. Last season, Babineaux started all 16 games for the Seahawks as a safety. He will be remembered most for the game-saving tackle made on Tony Romo following a fumbled snap in the 2007 NFL Playoffs.

Kevin Ellison, who played for Pete Carroll at the University of Southern California, was acquired by the Seahawks after being released by the San Diego Chargers following an off-field indiscretion. As a rookie in 2009, Ellison started 9 games at safety for the Chargers. Ellison is a former sixth-round pick who most expected to be cut the day before.

Julius Jones is definitely not a fan favorite, but he has lasted several years in Seattle despite regime turnover and fan criticism. Jones started 24 games for the Seahawks in two seasons after leaving Dallas as a free agent in 2007. In Seattle, Jones rushed for 1,361 yards and averaged just over 4.0 yards per carry. Nothing is confirmed yet, but several reports say Jones will be released. If he is on the roster after Monday, his base salary of $2.45 million in 2010 becomes guaranteed.

Owen Schmitt, the Runaway Beer Truck, was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 draft by Seattle. Known to prefer a smash-mouth brand of football, Schmitt will probably be remembered most for striking his own head with a helmet prior to a game last season. Schmitt has only started twice in two seasons and never lived up to his potential as a fullback in the NFL.

Steve Vallos was selected in the seventh round of the 2007 draft by Seattle. In two seasons with the team, Vallos has started 8 games and proved his value with impressive versatility on the offensive line. He looked capable while starting in place of injured Chris Spencer and also played elsewhere along the interior offensive line.

Kevin Vickerson was acquired as part of the deal that also sent LenDale White to Seattle last April. Vickerson looked decent as a nose tackle during the preseason, capable of backing up starter Colin Cole. The Seahawks obviously considered Vickerson expendable and will look to add depth elsewhere.

Mansfield Wrotto spent most of the exhibition season starting at left tackle in place of injured Russell Okung and keeping Matt Hasselbeck upright. As a reward, the Seahawks sent Wrotto packing as more questions continue to develop regarding the offensive line. Wrotto was originally a fourth-round selection in 2007 – Seattle used the pick acquired from the Darrell Jackson trade to draft him – and has started 5 games in three seasons. Prior to playing tackle in several exhibition games, Wrotto spent most of his time as an offensive guard.

In addition to a number of cuts, the Seahawks also added a handful of players. More additions are expected as the Seahawks continue to change the 53-man roster less than a week before the season opener.

The Seahawks added Evan Dietrich-Smith (OL, Green Bay), Nate Ness (DB, Miami), Michael Robinson (RB, San Francisco), and Junior Siavii (NT, Dallas).

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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