Seahawks Signed Defensive Tackle Gary Smith III
The Seattle Seahawks added the defensive tackle to their practice squad after he participated in a team tryout.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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The Seattle Seahawks signed defensive tackle Gary Smith III to the practice squad on September 29, 2026. The move came hours after Smith participated in a tryout with the organization.
Why it matters
The Seahawks sought to bolster the size of their defensive line by adding the 340-pound rookie. To clear a spot for the signing, the team released practice squad player Uso Seumalo.
Gary Smith III is a 24-year-old defensive tackle standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 340 pounds. During his college career at Duke and UCLA, he recorded 111 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks across 50 games.
The players
Gary Smith III
He is a 24-year-old undrafted defensive tackle who played college football at both Duke and UCLA.
Seattle Seahawks
This is a professional football franchise based in Seattle that competes in the National Football League.
Uso Seumalo
He is a professional football player who was released from the Seattle Seahawks practice squad to make room for a new signing.
The details
Smith, who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this year. He arrives in Seattle following a preseason performance that included a sack against the Arizona Cardinals on August 13, 2026.
Timeline
August 13, 2026: Smith recorded a preseason sack against the Arizona Cardinals.
September 29, 2026: The Seahawks signed Gary Smith III to the practice squad.
Season Trajectory
This roster move reflects the ongoing effort by NFL franchises to adjust depth and add physical size to defensive rotations throughout the regular season. The team continues to manage its practice squad composition to address specific needs against the broader competitive balance of the division.
The addition of Smith provides the Seahawks with extra depth on the interior defensive line during practice sessions. His performance in these reps will determine if he earns a promotion to the active roster for future game days.
The takeaway
The Seahawks are prioritizing defensive size as they evaluate options for their front line. Developing undrafted talent like Smith allows the team to maintain contingency plans for injuries throughout the long season.
Further reading
For more news on roster moves and team updates, visit Seattle Football.
Live Poll
Do you support the Seahawks' decision to prioritize run-stopping size for the practice squad?
