It may be nothing, and probably is, as this was the first day of training camp for the Seattle Seahawks. But it was still a bit surprising to see this Seattle veteran working out with this position group. After all, he's supposed to compete for another spot on the roster.
Despite the photo, I'm not suggesting that Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was coaching the defensive backs on the first full day of training camp. Not like he couldn't impart some pretty sweet knowledge, now that I think about it. Then again, he has his hands full installing a new offense with a new quarterback who has to adjust to his new teammates as well.
What's surprising is that the Seahawks had announced months ago that this third-year player was going to compete for the starting gig at a new position this season. In fact, Seattle didn't have anyone play the role last season, and it's been nearly a decade since the team used it much. Okay, surely by now you've guessed the role is fullback. And the player in question is...
Seahawks' Brady Russell's snaps at tight end could have a deeper meaning
On the face of it, Brady Russell taking snaps at his usual position is not exactly a big deal. It's his third year with the Seahawks, and that's all he's ever played. Although considering he's been targeted just once in two seasons, he's basically a special-teams guy. A pretty good one at that. So if we were looking at the first day of training camp in 2024, this would be routine.
Early notes from Day 1 of Seahawks camp:
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) July 23, 2025
-I’ve seen everyone on the roster but NT Johnathan Hankins
-Brady Russell (38 in video below), who has been competing for the FB job after converting from TE, is working with the TEs
-CB Shaquill Griffin is here but not practicing pic.twitter.com/y93R6yAQth
As Brady Henderson noted, Russell has been competing for the fullback job for months now. He was even switched to FB on Seattle's depth chart in the spring. He and fifth-round draft pick Robbie Ouzts have been battling for the starting nod ever since. Well, as much as you can battle in OTAs and minicamp, anyway.
So it was certainly a surprise to see Russell working out with the tight ends on the first day of camp. This could mean that the battle is over, and Ouzts has the job. But it's not very likely that's the case. I think it's far more reasonable to believe that Kubiak wants to see what Russell can do at the position in full pads.
It's not like he can go back and watch hours of game film from the past two seasons, after all. Besides, would you want to see what he did for an OC that got canned after one disappointing season?
Sure, Ouzts could have a leg up in the competition, but again, it's day one. The most sensible reason for Russell to get work at his old spot is the fact that Seattle no longer has last year's starting tight end on the roster. Noah Fant has departed for greener pastures. Well, different pastures, anyway. They might not be as green as his old contract with the Seahawks, which is why he was released.
Whether Seattle makes good use of that new cap space is a different matter. The concern for the moment is that A.J. Barner and rookie Elijah Arroyo are the new contenders to start for the Seahawks. As Kubiak uses a lot of two tight end sets, it would be quite useful to know if Russell can step in as an adequate backup.
Russell could spend more time at fullback during camp, and possibly serve as a backup in both roles. Both he and Ouzts could play at fullback, tight end, or H-back.
The biggest bite we can take from today's action is that if Russell looks up to the task, the Seahawks may feel they have their tight end room set, with eight-year vet Eric Saubert in the mix as well. My gut feeling: Russell will be third on the depth chart at tight end, Ouzts will be the fullback, and at times, both will swap roles. But please, not at the same time. My nerves couldn't handle it.