Trufant, 31, was chosen by Seattle in the first round of the 2003 draft out of Washington State, and he is the longest-tenured member of the team having played nine seasons for the Seahawks.

Trufant played in four games this season before he was placed on injured reserve because of an issue with his back. It was similar to the back injury that kept him out of the first six games of the 2009 season.

Trufant met with team officials Wednesday before the transaction would be announced. Indications are that Trufant is fine to resume playing, and he plans to continue his career. Trufant was scheduled to make more than $7 million, according to the database at the NFL Players Association. It was the fifth year on a contract he signed with the team in 2008 after making the Pro Bowl.

Finances did not necessarily predicate his release, though. Trufant took a paycut last year and remained a starter entering the season. This year, his role would likely be different after the emergence of other defensive backs.

Brandon Browner made the Pro Bowl in his first year in the NFL, and rookie Richard Sherman also showed a bright future. The team also has Walter Thurmond entering his third year and Byron Maxwell, also a promising player entering his second season.

Trufant attended Wilson High School in Tacoma and went on to Washington State. His brother, Isaiah played for the New York Jets last season while the youngest brother, Desmond, is currently at the University of Washington.

Update at 1:28 p.m.: The Seahawks' announcement of Trufant's release included a statement from general manager John Schneider:

""Out of respect for Marcus and his family, we've decided to release him today so that he has an opportunity to explore the full window of unrestricted free agency and the options that go along with it. Marcus has done so much for this organization, but because of the changing landscape of the NFL, tough decisions have to be made and this is the correct thing to do at this time."
    -- John Schneider, Seahawks GM