I’m working to confirm this, but NFL.com’s Jason La Confora is reporting that the Seattle Seahawks have cut safety Brian Russell. If true, it would come as somewhat of a surprise. I thought Russell played OK during the preseason, but apparently the team likes Jordan Babineaux better. And it explains the team picking up safety Nate Ness a couple days ago as a potential practice squad guy. I’ll have more later.

UPDATE 2:30: A source familiar with the team confirmed that Russell indeed will be on the cut list when the team announces it’s roster moves at 3 p.m. today.

It’s a curious decision, because as a few folks in the comments section have mentioned, Russell played most of the snaps with the first team during exhibition action.

So do the Seahawks go with Babineaux, or do they pursue another option at free safety?

This is purely speculation, but there’s a couple scenarios out there. The Hawks could pursue Jacksonville converted cornerback/safety Brian Williams.

The Jags are reportedly interested in trading Williams because of his $4 million salary.

Also, University of Washington product and Tacoma native Lawyer Milloy still has not found a team yet, recently turning down a deal to join Detroit this week. Milloy is familiar with the team’s defensive schemes from his time playing for Seattle head coach Jim Mora in Atlanta, and could come and play strong safety, with Deon Grant moving over to free safety. The addition of Milloy would give Seattle two thumpers at the safety position.