The Seattle Seahawks have undertaken some restructuring in preparation for the NFL free agency period. In anticipation of teams needing to adhere to salary cap regulations by the commencement of the new league year on March 13, the Seahawks have taken several actions to alleviate their salary cap constraints. This includes parting ways with veterans Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, as well as releasing tackle Bryan Mone and tight end Will Dissly. These strategic maneuvers were undoubtedly aimed at positioning the Seahawks favorably for free agency. By releasing Adams and Diggs, Seattle has freed up $27.5 million in both cash and cap space, resulting in nearly $42 million now available to them.
The recent cuts may signify the conclusion of a chapter for some players, but according to general manager John Schneider, the door isn’t completely shut on their potential return. While he didn’t specify which players might come back, Schneider emphasized the importance of considering input from the coaching staff regarding player evaluations. He mentioned that in the process of managing contracts to create cap flexibility, there are inevitable consequences. Schneider likened it to managing credit-card bills; if a team wants to keep progressing, they must address financial obligations. Sometimes, high cap numbers necessitate tough decisions about whether to negotiate or move on, with the remainder of the offseason dictating subsequent moves.
The Seattle Seahawks are facing several gaps in their roster, with the offensive line emerging as a critical area needing reinforcement. Players like Evan Brown, Damien Lewis, and Phil Haynes are poised to explore free agency, potentially leaving Geno Smith’s protection vulnerable for the upcoming 2024 season.
While General Manager Schneider hasn’t completely dismissed the possibility of the released players returning, it appears unlikely, given that any new contracts would likely come with significant pay cuts compared to their expectations.
Furthermore, the Seahawks’ decision to bring back any players could hinge on their success in free agency, where they may find several valuable additions at bargain prices.
As Schneider navigates his first offseason with full control, his priority is to ensure a smooth transition. By parting ways with players with substantial cap hits in 2024, he has created much-needed flexibility under the salary cap.
The next phase involves active participation in free agency to bolster the Seattle roster beyond its previous season’s level. If this proves challenging, Schneider may consider re-evaluating the possibility of re-signing released players. However, it would likely require significant incentives for the Seahawks to entertain such a notion.
