The Seattle Seahawks brought back a core special teams standout that could see an increased role this season in cornerback Neiko Thorpe.
The team announced the deal on Tuesday afternoon.
Thorpe led the team with 10 tackles on special teams last year and played sparingly on defense after being signed after the opening week of the season. Thorpe appeared in 15 games for Seattle and was called upon to play cornerback against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional Playoffs after DeShawn Shead was lost to a torn ACL.
Thorpe finished with 19 total tackles on the year.
He could see an increased role this season with Shead unsigned and recovering from his knee injury. Shead wouldn't likely be available until sometime around midseason and Seattle's cornerback depth is still somewhat lacking. Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane remain the top two corners on the team with Thorpe now slotting in as the No. 3.
Cornerback will certainly be a target of the Seahawks in the draft with a strong class available. In the interim, Thorpe's re-signing gives Seattle a capable veteran and strong special teams performer to bolster their depth.
However, his former number, No. 27, may be going to Seattle's other signing from Tuesday in Eddie Lacy.
Photo Credit: ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Neiko Thorpe #27 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)