Seattle Seahawks' Kris Richard: 'Tharold Simon has to step up'

Seattle Seahawks defensive backs coach Kris Richard has admitted that cornerback Tharold Simon will have to "step up" following key departures in the club's secondary in the off-season.

The Seahawks lost veteran defenders Brandon Browner, Walter Thurmond and Chris Maragos from their secondary leaving young players such as Simon - who missed the 2013 season - to replace them in the lineup in the 2014 campaign.

Richard told the club's official website: "It's time for Tharold Simon to step up. It's next man [up]. Let's go."

The 23-year-old was selected in the fifth round of the 2013 Draft.