SEATTLE -- In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks struck free-agent gold when they signed Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril to inexpensive deals. The two pass-rushers proved to be the missing pieces for an emerging defense that led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl title that season and a near repeat the next year.
The Seahawks hope that their current collection of pass-rushers has the same impact as those of their recent Super Bowl past. But in Kerry Hyder Jr., they have a player who's reminiscent of Bennett's physical profile and versatility.
General manager John Schneider told him as much when they signed him to what is effectively a two-year, $6.