The Seattle Seahawks defensive backs have performed well under head coach Mike Macdonald. One who didn’t get much of a chance to develop under Macdonald, though, was former sixth-round pick D.J. James.
James, though, will try to continue his professional football career in the UFL.
UFL reporter James Larsen posted on X on Thursday that James agreed to a contract with the Orlando Storm.
“DJ spent most of his college career at Oregon, before transferring to Auburn,” wrote Larsen. “He was drafted by the Seahawks in the 6th round (2024).
The Seahawks drafted James at No. 192 overall in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was part of Macdonald’s first draft class in Seattle.
James began 2024 training camp on the non-football injury list. He returned healthy about a week into camp. However, the Seahawks released James before the regular season.
The New England Patriots signed James to their practice squad in September 2024. The cornerback played one game for New England last season.
While playing seven snaps (two on defense and five on special teams), James posted one tackle.
Former Seahawks DB D.J. James Joins UFL Team: Report
James was one of two defensive backs the Seahawks selected on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Seattle grabbed the other, Auburn’s Nehemiah Pritchett, at No. 136 overall in the fifth round.
Pritchett won a Super Bowl ring with Seattle last season and remains on the Seahawks roster this offseason. Meanwhile, James is out of the league and is set to play spring football in the UFL.
Ironically, Pritchett and James were teammates at Auburn for two seasons. James played for the Tigers from 2022-23 after three seasons at Oregon.
In 56 college games, James posted 148 combined tackles, including five for loss. He also had 24 pass defenses and five interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
James registered 38 combined tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss during his final college season. He also had a career-high 10 pass defenses and two interception in that campaign.
Seahawks Defensive Back Depth Under Mike Macdonald
While James will be trying to earn his next NFL opportunity this year, Pritchett is set to return as a key cornerback reserve for the Seahawks again. Pritchett is one of nine cornerbacks on the Seahawks roster this offseason.
The team lost Riq Woolen in NFL free agency. But the Seahawks will bring back starting outside cornerbacks Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe.
In free agency, the Seattle added Noah Igbinoghene to play in the slot. But former second-round pick Nick Emmanwori, who is listed at safety on the team’s official roster, could start in that role this fall.
Along with Igbinoghene, the Seahawks signed D’Anthony Bell in free agency. Ourlads has Bell listed as a cornerback, but he has played more safety in his career.
Then during the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seahawks added cornerbacks Julian Neal, Andre Fuller and Michael Dansby.
To round out the group, the Seahawks also have Tyrone Broden and Shemar Jean-Charles on the offseason roster.
The Seahawks will see those cornerbacks all on the field together for the first time at their next offseason workout on May 26.
Former Seahawks Draft Pick Lands With UFL Team: Report