Former top ten pick and North Carolina native Aaron Curry told reporters today that his 'role has changed' on the Seattle Seahawks, and when he says 'changed' what he's really saying is "I'm not starting anymore". For a player who was so highly regarded out of Wake Forest it has been an extremely interesting turn of events for Curry who totaled 73 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year.
Pete Carroll and Co. have elected to sit the 2009 1st round pick in favor of rookie K.J. Wright, who the Seahawks are very high on. Far be it from me to critique a professional coach's decision, but this one is an absolute head scratcher. Admittedly, I haven't seen every snap Curry has taken, but from what I've seen he passes the eyeball test, and looks statistically sound. On being benched Curry said:
"I don't even know how to put it into words. But it is what it is, everything happens for a reason. There's a purpose behind everything, and I'll find it and learn from it and take off running."
Enter the Carolina Panthers who are consistently interested and invested in local talent. I'm told the Panthers had significant interest in Curry leading up to the 2009 draft, but understood after trading their 1st round pick for what amounted to Jeff Otah they didn't have any ability to get him. This seems like the perfect occasion to bring the Fayetteville, NC native back home to play in lieu of Thomas Davis who is now on IR with a torn ACL. Like the Greg Olsen trade before this is just something that makes too much sense not to happen. We have a need, Seattle has a player they don't want... Hurney, make it happen!
In two games starts this season Aaron Curry has totaled 11 tackles.