Marcus

Burley

Burley was a restricted free agent who was somewhat surprisingly tendered. The ex-Seahawk played only 29 snaps on defense last season. The Browns must like his projection/work on special teams.

Burley had a promising 2015 with the Seahawks across limited snaps but was cut and spent 2016 with the Browns where he only saw 29 defensive snaps. The 27-year-old projects as a slot corner and special teamer.

With Jeremy Lane expected to begin the season on the PUP list, Blackmon and Marcus Burley are competing slot duties. Blackmon has a long injury history and struggled in eight games with the Jaguars last season, but he is much more experienced than Burley, who only has 328 career snaps.

Players have been dropping like flies in this game. Burley recorded two tackles before exiting. Jeremy Lane is filling in at nickel back.

“There’s a chance that it’s a very quick recovery,” coach Pete Carroll said, “and so we’ll see how that goes.” Burley had been playing as the Seahawks’ slot corner. With Burley out, DeShawn Shead should see more snaps in nickel.

Burley was an exclusive rights free agent. Burley appeared in 13 games last season, playing 207 largely effective snaps. Going on 26, Burley could see more playing time in 2016. He primarily mans the slot.

Burley is the Seahawks’ nickel corner. With Tharold Simon inactive, DeShawn Shead and rookie Tye Smith will slide in when Seattle is in nickel and dime.

Maxwell went up high to break up a deep pass intended for Dez Bryant, but ended up coming down awkwardly on his ankle. Richard Sherman’s bookend is questionable to return and has been replaced by Marcus Burley.

Maxwell went down in the second quarter after breaking up a deep pass for Dez Bryant. If it’s a true and serious high ankle sprain, he’ll be out for at least a month. The Legion of Boom will have to deal with Marcus Burley opposite Richard Sherman, obviously a downgrade.

A 2013 UDFA, Burley didn’t appear in any games with the Colts last year and spent time on the Eagles and Jags practice squads. He put together a strong preseason, grading out as the No. 3 overall corner by Pro Football Focus. Burley adds a speed complement to Seattle’s secondary. He should open the year as the No. 5 corner, and perhaps eventually push for time in dime packages.