Nick Bellore’s Seahawks career came to an end earlier this offseason, but he will have a new opportunity in time for Week One. The veteran linebacker and special teamer joined the Commanders on a practice squad deal, according to a team announcement. The Pedestrian Podcast was the first to indicate that a contract was approaching.
Bellore earned ten defensive starts in 2016, his second and final season with the 49ers. During his previous stints with the Jets, as well as with the Lions and Seahawks, his greatest contributions were on special teams. The 35-year-old has also played fullback, though he was only utilised infrequently in that role while with Seattle.
Bellore’s contract had one year remaining when he entered free agency, but the Seahawks terminated him in order to save money. That choice kicked off a protracted free agent stint, but by signing ahead of the regular season, the former UDFA will be available to the Commanders as a potential gameday addition from the practice squad. Bellore was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2023 for his special teams ability, and he has recorded double-digit tackles in his third phase work in each of the last four years.
The Commanders were 26th in special teams DVOA last season, providing plenty of space for improvement in 2024. Dan Quinn, Washington’s new head coach, will manage the team’s rebuilding efforts in a variety of ways, with hopes for a defensive turnaround in particular given the nature of the offseason. Bellore could be a depth option in the linebacking corps (especially if he makes the active roster), but his primary role will be on special teams. Bellore, who has played in 204 regular and postseason games, planned to continue his career after being released by the Seahawks.
This Commander’s agreement will help him to achieve that goal without adversely hurting Washington’s cap picture. The team began Monday with approximately $27MM in cap space, and acquiring Bellore will not reduce flexibility for other moves leading up to Week 1.
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