Seattle sent defensive end Cassius Marsh to New England on…
Seattle sent defensive end Cassius Marsh to New England on September 2, 2017 for 2018 fifth- and seventh-round picks. The fifth became tackle Jamarco Jones, while Seattle later included the seventh, No. 250, in the Michael Bennett trade with Philadelphia. Marsh lasted only nine games with New England before being waived in November, giving Seattle both the longer-lived asset value and the cleaner result.
New England Patriots Received
- player Cassius Marsh
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 2018 fifth-round pick (No. 168, Jamarco Jones )
- pick 2018 seventh-round pick (No. 250; later traded to Philadelphia)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On September 2, 2017, Seattle traded defensive end Cassius Marsh to New England for a fifth-round and a seventh-round selection in the 2018 draft. The fifth became No. 168, where Seattle selected offensive tackle Jamarco Jones. The seventh was No. 250, a pick that had moved between Seattle and New England one day earlier in the Justin Coleman trade.
Why New England Bought Marsh
The Patriots were seeking edge depth and special-teams help as they finalized the roster. Marsh had shown some pass-rush production in Seattle, including three sacks in 2016, and New England was willing to spend two future picks to see whether that role could grow in its defense.
The Patriots’ Return Was Brief
The fit never developed. Marsh appeared in nine games for New England, started once and was waived on November 21. San Francisco claimed him the next day. Paying two draft choices for less than a full season of rotational work left the Patriots with very little durable value from the transaction.
How Seattle Used the Picks
Seattle kept the fifth-rounder and drafted Jones, who spent several seasons with the organization and made starts along the offensive line. The Seahawks did not use No. 250 themselves; they sent it to Philadelphia in the March 2018 Michael Bennett trade. Philadelphia later moved the selection to New England, which ultimately drafted Ryan Izzo. That later circuit should not be mistaken for a direct Seattle draft choice.
Final Verdict
Seattle earns a B+ for getting two usable assets out of a player New England released within three months. The Patriots receive a D+ because Marsh’s nine-game stay did not justify the fifth- and seventh-round cost. Seattle wins comfortably.
Seattle's two draft assets produced more lasting value than Marsh's nine-game New England tenure overall.