Seahawks Sign Burns to 53-Man Roster

Promoted to the game day roster against the Rams and Lions in the past two weeks, Burns has seen extensive action as a nickel and dime defensive back for the Seahawks in both contests. According to Pro Football Focus charting, he has logged 33 defensive snaps, with 29 of those coming in the slot. On three targets in coverage, he has allowed two catches for 16 yards and a 79.9 passer rating.

With a healthy Devon Witherspoon making his NFL debut starting at left cornerback in Sunday's win at Detroit and Riq Woolen not expected to miss extensive time with a chest injury on the right side, Seattle should be in great shape at the two outside spots. However, Coby Bryant has struggled in the nickel role, giving up nine receptions for 90 yards on 12 targets while also missing a pair of tackles, creating questions at the position after two games.

By signing Burns to the active roster, it's possible the Seahawks could give the 28-year old an extended look in the slot, where he only had played 42 total defensive snaps in his first six NFL seasons. The team slid him inside for their preseason finale against the Packers last month and despite his limited experience in the slot previously, he impressed with a pass breakup and a two-yard tackle for loss.

Away from Burns and Bryant, Seattle may also consider sliding Tre Brown inside to find a way to get him on the field with Witherspoon and Woolen, though the third-year defender has not gotten any work in the slot at practice since arriving as a fourth-round pick in 2021 and has exclusively played outside. Given Bryant's struggles, however, now could be the time to consider making such a move as the team continues to search for ways to find the best secondary lineup on game day.