As roster cuts approach, the Seattle Seahawks face some tough choices in filling the last few spots. Those decisions get even harder when a player like wide receiver Tory Horton bursts onto the scene.
Horton, a standout in college whose later years were hampered by injuries, has made an immediate impact—something that hasn’t surprised fans who followed his career closely. Still, his strong push for a roster spot in an already crowded receiver room could push other players out.
That said, if someone else rises to the challenge, makes clear strides, and seizes his chances, shouldn’t he earn his place too? That’s exactly what Dareke Young has done this preseason, leaving it up to Seattle’s front office to reward his efforts with a spot on the 53-man roster.
Dareke Young’s performance forces Seattle Seahawks to take notice
“My goal every season is to be better than I was the year before,” Young told The Athletic. “I put in a lot of work this offseason, and I feel like I came in more confident than ever—and it’s showing.”
So far, the results back him up. In the preseason, Young has caught four passes for 83 yards and added a 29-yard kick return against Kansas City. Even with that production, though, his place on the roster isn’t locked in.
While his flashes at receiver are promising, it’s his value on special teams—not just as a returner—that has given him the strongest chance to earn a spot since training camp opened. Entering his fourth year in the league, a pivotal stage in most NFL careers, Young has logged 541 of his 686 career snaps on special teams.
Seattle could keep six receivers, which would help his case, but if the team only carries five, Young’s future becomes less certain. Klint Kubiak’s run-heavy offense won’t rely on a deep receiver rotation, which adds to the challenge.
Even so, when the Seahawks make their final cuts, Young’s work ethic and preseason performance make him a compelling option to round out the roster. Players who consistently prove themselves in those situations are often the ones NFL teams want filling out the back end of the lineup.
Be the first to comment