Seahawks Cut Keith Millard -- Former Cougar Tackle Released Today

KIRKLAND - In a stunning move, the Seattle Seahawks today released defensive tackle Keith Millard for whom they had traded this year's second-round draft choice to Minnesota.

Coach Tom Flores said Millard was disappointed about lack of playing time.

Millard, who had been playing only on passing downs, had a sack and a fumble recovery in the opening loss against Cincinnati.

Millard had missed much of training camp because of knee problems. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in August to remove a loose piece of cartilage in his right knee, which underwent reconstructive surgery in 1990 and 1991.

"It was a chance we took when we make the trade (from Minnesota), and we thought it would help what was already a pretty good defense but it just hasn't worked," said Flores.

Flores said the Seahawks had tried for the past two days to trade Millard but no deal was struck.

"I feel very disappointed about it," said Flores. "I thought it was going to be a pretty good trade."

The Seahawks have signed defensive end Natu Tuatagaloa, a Cincinnati holdout who had been released by the Bengals. Tuatagaloa is a four-year veteran from California.

Millard, 6 feet 5, 263 pounds, is a former Washington State University standout.