Seahawks turning to former quarterback Avery Smith to help out secondary

The Seattle Seahawks are bringing in former quarterback Avery Smith to help on defense, acquiring the undrafted rookie from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick. Smith, 22, grew up in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and starred at Riverwood International Charter School before moving through Toledo, where he totaled 44 touchdowns as a senior. After being buried on the depth chart at college, he switched from quarterback to cornerback in 2022 and has developed as a versatile back-end option. Seattle still needs to replace Riq Woolen, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, and nickelback Nick Emmanwori is recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Seahawks GM John Schneider said Smith is “smart” and “very instinctive,” and the team expects him could contribute immediately at outside roles or nickel while Smith learns coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme.