Trufant, who missed most of 2011 with back injury, cut by Seahawks

RENTON, Wash. (AP) - Marcus Trufant's balky back and lofty salary finally led to the end of his career with his hometown team.

Trufant was released by Seattle on Wednesday after nine seasons as a constant in the Seahawks' secondary, but was saddled with back problems the last few years. He was also scheduled to make $7.2 million next season.

Drafted by Seattle with the 11th overall pick in 2003 out of Washington State, Trufant started all but one of the 124 regular-season games he played with the Seahawks. He had 21 interceptions - returning two for touchdowns - with Seattle, and was voted to the Pro Bowl in the 2007 season.

Trufant played in just four games in 2011 before being placed on injured reserve on Oct. 17. His absence allowed for the emergence of rookie Richard Sherman, who along with Pro Bowl alternate Brandon Browner are the presumed starters heading into 2012.