The Seattle Seahawks selected offensive tackle Garrett Scott (Marshall University) in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, with the intent he would compete for a spot where the team needs help the most: offensive line. Unfortunately, Scott’s NFL career appears be over before it began. An individual team physical uncovered a rare heart condition, and the Seahawks waived him Friday — one day after Scott had signed his rookie contract.
#Seahawks have waived 6th-round pick Garrett Scott because of a rare heart condition. Signed his rookie deal yesterday. That’s rough.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2014
Yep, pretty rough, right? Well, maybe not. As it turns out, the timing of his release was done intentionally. By signing his rookie deal, Scott receives his signing bonus, and is insured for one year as a member of the NFL Players Association.
Seattle signed him yesterday, so he gets his signing bonus, and I believe it means his NFLPA dues were paid, giving him insurance for the yr
— Keith Myers (@MyersNFL) May 23, 2014
GM John Schneider says #Seahawks will help Garrett Scott deal with his heart condition: “The team is committed to supporting Garrett …”
— Chris Cluff (@CHawksExaminer) May 23, 2014
This would appear to be one of those situations where you hope a player like Scott can quickly find a role on a coaching staff, or in a team office — whether it be at the pro level, or in college. Either way, he will be taken care of by the Seahawks for the foreseeable future.
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