Updated 2:15 p.m.
The Seattle Seahawks needed to release 22 players to get their roster to the 53-man limit by Saturday at 1 p.m. Pacific, but one player announced his release hours before the deadline.
Cornerback Will Blackmon had been among the favorites to win Seattle’s nickel corner spot after signing with the team in March. But after competing with third-year pro Marcus Burley and rookie fifth-round pick Tye Smith throughout training camp and the preseason, Blackmon tweeted his goodbye to Seahawks fans Saturday morning.
It's been real Seattle. Thank you 12's.
— Will Blackmon (@willblackmon) September 5, 2015
His release was subsequently confirmed by seattlepi.