Source: Seahawks to sign Kendricks

RENTON, WASH. » The Seattle Seahawks are expected to sign linebacker Mychal Kendricks to a one-year contract despite his recent guilty plea on insider trading charges.

Two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday that Kendricks’ agreement is expected to be finalized in time for him to join the Seahawks for their Week

2 Game at Chicago. Kendricks signed a one-year contract with the Browns in June after winning a Super Bowl title last season with the Eagles. Kendricks pleaded guilty last week to insider trading charges in Philadelphia, but his sentencing is not expected to take place until January.

The Browns released him Aug.

29, after the charges were filed. While Seattle is signing Kendricks to bolster its depth at linebacker, it’s unclear how long he may be able to play for the Seahawks as the NFL has yet to impose any discipline.

Seattle’s reasoning is the need for depth. Seattle played the opener without starting linebacker K.J. Wright due to minor knee surgery in late August, and All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner was an unexpected addition to the Seahawks injury report on Thursday with a groin injury.

The 5-foot-11, 240-pounder recorded a team-high eight tackles in last season’s NFC Championship against Minnesota and had four in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win.

Federal prosecutors said Kendricks used tips from an acquaintance to make about $1.2 million in illegal profits on four major trading deals.

Prosecutors say his co-defendant, Damilare Sonoiki, was paid $10,000 in kickbacks in the scheme from 2014-2015, as well as perks like tickets to Eagles games and tagging along to a music video shoot or nightclub appearances.