Seahawks sign veteran return specialist as injuries mount | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 16:39 GMT by Sporting News

The Seattle Seahawks have added a seasoned return specialist to their roster in a move that signals the organization’s intent to address a growing pain point on special teams. On Sunday, the franchise announced the signing of veteran returner J.T. O’Donnell, a player who brings two decades of NFL experience and a proven track record of making big plays out of the back of the line of scrimmage.

O’Donnell, a former Dallas Cowboys return specialist, has spent the past six seasons with the league, filling the role of primary kickoff and punt returner for two different teams. His tenure with the Cowboys saw him rack up 17 kickoff returns for 351 yards and a touchdown, and he has amassed 27 total return touchdowns in his career. O’Donnell’s return skills are complemented by his ability to run the ball from the backfield; he has rushed for more than 300 yards in each of his last three seasons, and he has 23 career rushing touchdowns. In addition to his return duties, he has played as a wide receiver, logging 42 receptions for 442 yards and two touchdowns during his time in Dallas.

The Seahawks’ need for a dependable returner is rooted in a string of injuries that have hit the special‑teams unit. Defensive back Marcus Williams, who had been the team's all‑pro returner last season, suffered a season‑ending torn ACL in Week 3. In his absence, the Seahawks had to rely on rookie Thomas Dorsey, who struggled to find a rhythm in his 10 return attempts and averaged only 8.5 yards per return. Meanwhile, the team’s veteran punt returner, Marcus Thompson, was limited to two games last season after a hamstring injury and is slated to be on the reserve injured list this year.

“Special teams can be a game‑changer, and we’re looking to bring a veteran presence that can help us get back on track,” said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll during a post‑announcement interview. “J.T.’s experience is exactly what we need. He’s a dependable player who knows the playbook and can make an impact right away.” Carroll emphasized that the coaching staff had been monitoring O’Donnell’s performance during the offseason, noting his strong work ethic and familiarity with Seahawks’ coaching staff’s expectations.

Front‑office chief for the Seahawks, general manager Pete Carroll, also commented on the decision. “The special‑teams group has been under a lot of pressure this past year, and we’re grateful to bring J.T. on board. He’s a familiar face in the league and brings a level of professionalism that we can rely on,” he said. The organization’s front‑office had previously expressed that the team’s roster construction would focus on players who can contribute immediately, particularly on the special‑teams side where the Seahawks have struggled in the past two seasons.

The addition of O’Donnell is part of a broader strategy that includes re‑evaluating the depth chart for the kicking game. The Seahawks have yet to make a definitive decision on a replacement for their long‑time punter, and the coaching staff believes that a veteran returner can help stabilize the unit while the team explores permanent solutions. The signing also signals the organization’s willingness to bring in free‑agency veterans to address immediate roster needs, a trend that has been increasingly common among NFL teams in recent years.

Looking ahead, O’Donnell’s integration will be critical to the Seahawks’ ability to generate upside on special‑teams play. Analysts expect him to provide a solid foundation for the return game while the coaching staff works on refining the overall scheme. As the Seahawks head into their offseason workouts, the presence of a seasoned returner like O’Donnell is expected to give the coaching staff more flexibility when developing game plans that hinge on field‑position advantage.

In a season where every yard matters, the Seahawks’ move to secure a veteran return specialist underscores the importance of experience on the special‑teams side. With injuries mounting and a need for consistency, J.T. O’Donnell’s arrival could be the missing piece that helps Seattle regain control of the field position battle and set the tone for a competitive season.