Seahawk Salaries: 1976 vs. 2026

[Hawknight]

Did some digging around: Since detailed position-by-position salary records from the 1976 expansion Seahawks aren't readily available, the 1976 figures are typical NFL salary estimates by position, while the 2026 figures reflect the approximate market for established starters in today's NFL.

Wow, small change$ from back in the day.

Seahawks Salaries: 1976 vs. 2026​

Position	Typical 1976 Salary	Typical 2026 Starter Salary
Quarterback	$50,000–$80,000	$15–60 million
Running Back	$30,000–$60,000	$5–20 million
Wide Receiver	$30,000–$55,000	$8–35 million
Tight End	$28,000–$50,000	$6–20 million
Left Tackle	$35,000–$60,000	$18–30 million
Offensive Guard	$30,000–$50,000	$10–22 million
Center	$30,000–$50,000	$8–18 million
Defensive End	$35,000–$60,000	$12–35 million
Defensive Tackle	$35,000–$60,000	$10–30 million
Linebacker	$30,000–$55,000	$8–25 million
Cornerback	$30,000–$50,000	$10–30 million
Safety	$30,000–$50,000	$8–22 million
Kicker	$25,000–$40,000	$3–7 million
Punter	$25,000–$40,000	$3–6 million

 

[oldhawkfan]

I knew it would be a big jump up in average salaries but holy shit!

 

[Torc]

My memory (which is fallible) says that Largent was one of the first million dollar per year players in the league.

 

[MORGULON]

My memory (which is fallible) says that Largent was one of the first million dollar per year players in the league.

I remember the adults talking about the crazy salaries NFL players were making

 

[seabowl]

Brian Bosworth 1987 contract of 10 years for $11 million blew my mind and the minds of many back then.

 

[ivotuk]

My memory (which is fallible) says that Largent was one of the first million dollar per year players in the league.

Didn't Dave Krieg make a million? I was stoked when he made the Pro Bowl! Well deserved!

Dave also threw Largent his 100th TD.

 

[cymatica]

You should compare ticket prices. Would be interesting to see the percentage of salary increase vs ticket prices.

Was just talking to a co-worker who had season Sonics tickets in the 80s. $5 a game

 

[oldhawkfan]

Brian Bosworth 1987 contract of 10 years for $11 million blew my mind and the minds of many back then.

It blew Bosworths mind too. I remember him talking about how big the club tract was. I also remember about 5 years ago fans bitching about paying me3 $30 million a year. That’s practically chump change for WBs today.

 

[Jayburd14]

Brian Bosworth 1987 contract of 10 years for $11 million blew my mind and the minds of many back then.

If my memory is correct, I believe that it was a fully guaranteed contract and it counted against the first couple of years of the salary cap.