Social media helps land Tony McDaniel back with Seahawks

RENTON, Wash. — If Tony McDaniel finds his way onto the Seattle Seahawks 53-man roster at the end of the preseason he will owe an assist to Snapchat.

The rugged run-stopping defensive tackle went through his first practice with the Seahawks on Tuesday after signing with the team, a process that all started due to some happenstance.

Seattle's defensive line depth has been thinned during training camp due to a few injuries. And McDaniel has been without a home after playing last season in Tampa Bay following two seasons with the Seahawks.

It just happened that McDaniel's agent realized via a Snapchat post a few days ago that his client was in the state of Washington. In fact, McDaniel said he was two hours east of Seattle, in Leavenworth, Washington, doing some "hiking and kayaking."

"My agent saw me on Snapchat and realized I was in Washington so he decided to contact the Seahawks and asked them to bring me in for a workout," McDaniel said. "That's how that happened. It's amazing how you can use social media to help you out."

McDaniel's reunion provides some experience up front and another option after Seattle lost Brandon Mebane in free agency during the offseason. McDaniel was a starter during the 2013-14 seasons for Seattle, making two Super Bowl appearances and winning one title. In his two seasons with Seattle, McDaniel had 84 total tackles and two sacks, although his primary responsibility was to crowd the middle and be disruptive in the run game.

His success in Seattle landed him a one-year deal with Tampa Bay for the 2015 season, but McDaniel and the Buccaneers moved on and he became a free agent.

"I got a few phone calls but I wouldn't really call them options," McDaniel said. "My number one option was coming here. ... Pete Carroll, I think he's got the recipe for winning and taking care of players. Seattle was definitely on my wish list."

Associated Press