Jamie Sheriff attended the Seattle Seahawks’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis in May. Three months later, the former South Alabama standout has signed a contract with Seattle as a rookie free agent for his first NFL opportunity.

The Seahawks announced the signing of Sheriff on Tuesday as an outside linebacker while waiving injured outside linebacker Josh Onujiogu.

Sheriff played the bandit position on South Alabama’s defensive line. In 2023, he recorded 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks and won the Defensive MVP Award of the Jaguars’ first bowl victory – 59-10 over Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl – to cap his college career.

Seattle is returning its top five outside linebackers from last year’s squad, including former Auburn standout Derick Hall.

The Seahawks kick off their three-game preseason schedule on Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Sheriff becomes the 11th former South Alabama player on an NFL training-camp roster, joining:

· New England Patriots wide receiver Kawaan Baker

· Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradle

· Chicago Bears tight end Gerald Everett

· Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Cephus Johnson III

· San Francisco 49ers cornerback Darrell Luter Jr.

· Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves

· New York Jets tight end Lincoln Sefcik

· Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolber

·Chicago Bears punter Corliss Waitman

· Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jalen Wayne