RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- The Seattle Seahawks have signed safety Lawyer Milloy to a one-year contract, bringing the veteran back to the area where he grew up.

The team made an official announcement Sunday, one day after cutting Brian Russell, who started at safety for two seasons.

Milloy grew up in Tacoma, Wash., and played for the University of Washington before entering the NFL in 1996 with the New England Patriots. He played seven seasons there and three more with Buffalo, before spending the last three years in Atlanta.

The 13-year veteran has started 196 of 202 career games. He will team with veteran Deon Grant and new cornerback Ken Lucas in Seattle's revamped secondary.

The Seahawks finished last in the league in pass defense in 2008.