The Seattle Seahawks have added former HBCU standout Aaron Smith to their linebacker room as training camp moves toward the preseason.
Seattle announced the signing Tuesday, Aug. 11. The Seahawks created the roster opening by placing fullback Robbie Ouzts on injured reserve. The team has not disclosed the nature of the injury that has sidelined Ouzts during camp.
For Smith, the move represents another opportunity to turn a productive South Carolina State career into a place on an NFL roster. The Manning, S.C., native went undrafted in 2025 before signing with the New York Jets as a free agent.
New York waived Smith during final roster cuts, signed him to its practice squad one day later and released him on Sept. 1. He did not appear in a regular-season game, making his upcoming work with the Seattle Seahawks his latest shot at an NFL debut.
South Carolina State made
Smith built his professional résumé at South Carolina State. He emerged as the Bulldogs’ leading tackler in 2024 with 95 stops, including 8.5 tackles for loss. Smith also recorded an interception and earned first-team All-MEAC honors.
His production helped South Carolina State finish 9-3, capture the MEAC championship and reach the Celebration Bowl. Smith closed his HBCU career with a game-high 17 tackles, including 12 solo stops, against Jackson State in Atlanta.
The linebacker also earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Week honors in consecutive weeks during the 2024 season. His combination of production and consistency put him on the NFL radar, even though he did not hear his name called in the draft.
Now Aaron Smith enters a Seattle Seahawks camp where every practice and preseason snap could matter. The former South Carolina State star must quickly learn Mike Macdonald’s defense while showing he can contribute at linebacker and on special teams.