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RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks are turning to a former first-round pick to help fill one of the gaps on its revamped defense.
The Seahawks and free agent outside linebacker/defensive end Barkevious Mingo reached agreement on a two-year deal on Wednesday at the start of the new NFL league year. According to a person with knowledge of the deal, Mingo's deal is worth up to $10.1 million and includes $3.2 million in guaranteed money.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced by the team.
It was a rare addition for Seattle on the first day of free agency. The Seahawks have typically waited for the first rush of signings to subside before jumping into the free agent pool. But the addition of Mingo also stopped a wave of departures from the Seahawks on the defensive side, highlighted by the subtractions of cornerback Richard Sherman and defensive end Michael Bennett in the past week.
Mingo, 27, was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 draft by Cleveland, but after three underwhelming seasons with the Browns has bounced to New England and Indianapolis the past two seasons.
Mingo started six games last season for the Colts and finished with a career-high 32 tackles. He'll likely be in the competition for the strongside linebacker spot in Seattle's defense playing near the line of scrimmage. Seattle has struggled to find a consistent option for that position since losing Bruce Irvin in free agency after the 2015 season. Seattle used Michael Wilhoite and Terence Garvin as the primary starters at the position last season.
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