burgers_59
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Due to a low salary cap number and the emergence of young underpaid players, the Seahawks will a have a lot of tough calls to make this championship offseason.
The list of Seahawks that are ready to hit the free agent market are: Doug Baldwin (RFA), Michael Bennett (UFA), Brandon Browner (UFA), Kellen Davis (UFA), Breno Giacomini (UFA), Steven Hauschka (UFA), Tarvaris Jackson (UFA), Lemuel Jean-Pierre (UFA), Jeron Johnson (RFA), Chris Maragos (UFA), Anthony McCoy (UFA), Tony McDaniel (UFA), Clinton McDonald (UFA), Paul McQuistan (UFA), Mike Morgan (UFA), Michael Robinson (UFA), O'Brien Schofield (UFA), Golden Tate (UFA) and Walter Thurmond III (UFA).
The Seahawks are currently 8.7 million dollars under the cap for the 2014 season, which is not enough if they are going to stick to their top two offseason priorities: re-signing Michael Bennett and extending Earl Thomas.
These priorities and current restrictions mean that there will likely be "cap casualties" so that the Seahawks will have more cap money to spend. Chris Clemons has a cap hit of 9.6 million dollars; if he is cut the Seahawks would save 7.5 million dollars in cap room, while cutting him would put the Seahawks under the cap by 16.2 million dollars. Sidney Rice's cap hit is 9.7 million dollars, if he is cut the Seahawks will have an extra 7.5 million dollars. This puts them a healthy 23.7 million dollars under the cap. Red Bryant has a cap hit of 9.25 million against the 2014 cap, if released he would free 5.5 million dollars in cap space. The Seahawks would then be 29.2 million dollars under the cap.
These big cuts are the only ones I see the Seahawks realistically making. However, that doesn't mean I think they shouldn't make pay cuts and perhaps even cut a big name or two. Zach Miller is a player that I can see taking a pay cut in order to create salary cap room. He has a 7 million dollar cap hit, I believe the Seahawks lowering his pay by 2 million dollars is very realistic. It would then put them 31.2 million dollars under the cap.
The two surprise cuts I have for the Seahawks are Max Unger and James Carpenter. Unger has a cap hit of 6.1 million, if cut he saves the Seahawks 2.8 million dollars. Their cap room would then be an even 34 million dollars. James Carpenter has a cap hit of 2.4 million dollars, if cut he would save the Seahawks 1.4 million dollars, putting the Seahawks 35.4 million dollars under the cap.
These cuts would benefit the Seahawks not only financially but in player productivity.
Chris Clemons has been a great player for the Seattle Seahawks since being traded to them by the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2009. However, his playing time as well as production is starting to decline. His first step as a pass rusher is not nearly as fast as it once was, which can probably be traced to his ACL injury back in the 2012 playoffs against the Washington Redskins. Clemons had an impact in Super Bowl 48 and is one of the poster boys for the Pete Carroll, John Schneider era, but I just don't see the Seahawks keeping him for the money he is due.
Sidney Rice was one of the first big free agents that Carroll and Schneider signed. Rice had steady numbers his first two seasons as a Seahawk. His 2012 campaign was his best, snagging seven touchdown passes. Rice's 2013 season had hot and cold moments, his best game was against the Jacksonville Jaguars; he had two touchdown catches. Five weeks later Rice suffered a torn ACL against the St. Louis Rams. Injuries have unfortunately been a part of Rice's career whilst with the Seahawks and before. Because of his many lingering injuries and a healing ACL, the Seahawks will most likely only keep him if Golden Tate walks and they do not sign or draft a receiver to fill his place. Even then Rice will most likely take a pay cut.
Red Bryant has become a fan favorite in Seattle since he was drafted from Texas A&M in 2008. He is a run defense specialist and is actually one of the best in the entire NFL. Bryant received a big pay raise after the 2011 season, where he had two interceptions and 32 tackles. Since then Bryant has had a few nagging injuries but none serious enough to keep him from missing or starting a game. Bryant is great at being a run stuffer and line disruptor, unfortunately he is paid a little too much for what he offers.
Max Unger has had back to back pro bowl seasons, but they are somewhat of a smokescreen over his actual production. While Unger is an above average center, he has suffered from hand and ankle injuries over the past two seasons and his ability to block one on one has gone down substantially in that amount of time. The latest example of this was in Super Bowl XLVIII against Terrence Knighton, but even before that game Unger seemed to have similar issues. Backup Lemuel Jean-Pierre looked much better and more nimble than Unger when he played in his place throughout the season. Jean-Pierre will most likely be re-signed and will make a push for Unger's starting spot. Practice squad center Jared "Fat Rabbit" Smith was signed to a future contract. He will also be a part of the competition for the starting center role. I don't think that Unger will be cut until the Seahawks are well into training camp.
James Carpenter is a player most Seahawks fans are unsure of. He was the first, first round pick Pete Carroll and John Schneider made. Carpenter has since seen time at right tackle and left guard. He has sustained knee injuries and often has conditioning issues throughout training camp and the regular season, which is why he is often used in doses with Paul McQuistan. Since McQuistan is likely walking out the door, Carpenter has to show that he can be a full-time starting left guard. While there have been flashes of that, they are often then overlooked by poor play or less playing time. Expect to see second year offensive lineman, Michael Bowie, compete for Carpenter's job and perhaps roster spot. Bowie started in the divisional round of the 2013 NFL Playoffs against the New Orleans Saints. He had a stellar game, showing he can be a very effective guard in both run and pass block situations. Carpenter is a better run blocker than pass blocker, but is still fine tuning his abilities. Just like Unger, I don't see Carpenter getting cut until training camp, if he is cut at all.
All that being said the Seahawks would have 35.4 million dollars in salary cap room. Which would make extending Earl Thomas an easy task. Thomas will probably earn between 7.5-11 million dollars per season. Michael Bennett would be the next priority for the Seahawks; his contract would probably have him paid between 7 and 9 million dollars per season. Assuming these two are signed to their highest cap hit numbers, 20 million combined. The Seahawks would have 15.4 million dollars to spend on the rest of the free agents that they want to keep.
Doug Baldwin and Steven Hauschka would most likely be the next in line to pay. Hauschka would make around 2-4 million if re-signed. Baldwin would make between 3-5 million. Those two signings would put the cap above 10 million. Leaving cheaper re-signings such as Jeron Johnson and Lemuel Jean-Pierre as the next easiest signings.
Michael Robinson is a wild card on being re-signed. He is beloved by fans for the "Real Robinson Report" and was signed midway through the season after being cut in the preseason due to an illness. Robinson will not be an expensive contract, however that does not make his re-signing a sure thing. Derrick Coleman and Spencer Ware are waiting for their opportunities at his spot.
Clinton McDonald and Tony McDaniel are both going to be free agents this offseason. The Seahawks will most likely only re-sign one of the two. Both had very big roles in the Seahawks defense. McDonald is the more explosive and better pass rusher of the two, which is why he will most likely require more money. Making McDaniel the likely candidate to being re-signed. Don't forget Jesse Williams and Jordan Hill will be back for the Seahawks next season. Both looked great in training camp and the preseason but suffered injuries. Hill was used sparingly through the season, and Williams was placed on IR. Williams got the opportunity to get his knee fully healed and his strength up (hard to believe considering he benched 600lbs) in his home country of Australia. Expect big things from these men.
Walter Thurmond III was playing his way to a pretty big pay day before his four game suspension for using a banned league substance. It was said that Thurmond was close to signing an extension with 5 million per year, but after the incident the offer was lowered to 1 or 2 million. After a stellar performance throughout the playoffs Thurmond might see a bigger payday elsewhere. San Diego, Denver and Jacksonville are most likely c to sign Thurmond to a bigger deal than the Seahawks. Jeremy Lane, Tharold Simon, Deshawn Shead and potentially Jeron Johnson (if re-signed) are prime candidates to take over Thurmond's spot.
What about Golden Tate? Tate is the biggest name that has the greatest chance of leaving. With money caught up in Thomas, Bennett, Hauschka and Baldwin. Tate would have to take a serious hometown discount. Tate will get some much bigger offers from other teams; the Carolina Panthers are the team that I believe will make a strong push for him. Hakeem Nicks is also on the Panthers radar, but they will be able to afford both giving Nicks less money than Tate due to Nicks' past two down seasons.
If the Seahawks lose Tate and let guys like McQuistan and Giacomini go there is no need to be concerned. Michael Bowie will make a strong push for McQuistan's old spot and Alvin Bailey will make a push for Giacomini's. Bailey saw more and more time as the season progressed. He started with spot duty at left and right tackle in the regular season and spent time as an eligible tackle in the NFC Championship game and Super Bowl. In both of those games he was a big part of a Marshawn Lynch touchdown run. Jermaine Kearse showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season and post season and could make Seahawks fans not miss Tate at all if he walked away. The Seahawks will also address their needs through the draft and free agency.
This offseason will be full of excitement and expectations, but look for the Seahawks to get even better with their developing young talent. The future is bright and one to be excited about. Go Hawks!
The list of Seahawks that are ready to hit the free agent market are: Doug Baldwin (RFA), Michael Bennett (UFA), Brandon Browner (UFA), Kellen Davis (UFA), Breno Giacomini (UFA), Steven Hauschka (UFA), Tarvaris Jackson (UFA), Lemuel Jean-Pierre (UFA), Jeron Johnson (RFA), Chris Maragos (UFA), Anthony McCoy (UFA), Tony McDaniel (UFA), Clinton McDonald (UFA), Paul McQuistan (UFA), Mike Morgan (UFA), Michael Robinson (UFA), O'Brien Schofield (UFA), Golden Tate (UFA) and Walter Thurmond III (UFA).
The Seahawks are currently 8.7 million dollars under the cap for the 2014 season, which is not enough if they are going to stick to their top two offseason priorities: re-signing Michael Bennett and extending Earl Thomas.
These priorities and current restrictions mean that there will likely be "cap casualties" so that the Seahawks will have more cap money to spend. Chris Clemons has a cap hit of 9.6 million dollars; if he is cut the Seahawks would save 7.5 million dollars in cap room, while cutting him would put the Seahawks under the cap by 16.2 million dollars. Sidney Rice's cap hit is 9.7 million dollars, if he is cut the Seahawks will have an extra 7.5 million dollars. This puts them a healthy 23.7 million dollars under the cap. Red Bryant has a cap hit of 9.25 million against the 2014 cap, if released he would free 5.5 million dollars in cap space. The Seahawks would then be 29.2 million dollars under the cap.
These big cuts are the only ones I see the Seahawks realistically making. However, that doesn't mean I think they shouldn't make pay cuts and perhaps even cut a big name or two. Zach Miller is a player that I can see taking a pay cut in order to create salary cap room. He has a 7 million dollar cap hit, I believe the Seahawks lowering his pay by 2 million dollars is very realistic. It would then put them 31.2 million dollars under the cap.
The two surprise cuts I have for the Seahawks are Max Unger and James Carpenter. Unger has a cap hit of 6.1 million, if cut he saves the Seahawks 2.8 million dollars. Their cap room would then be an even 34 million dollars. James Carpenter has a cap hit of 2.4 million dollars, if cut he would save the Seahawks 1.4 million dollars, putting the Seahawks 35.4 million dollars under the cap.
These cuts would benefit the Seahawks not only financially but in player productivity.
Chris Clemons has been a great player for the Seattle Seahawks since being traded to them by the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2009. However, his playing time as well as production is starting to decline. His first step as a pass rusher is not nearly as fast as it once was, which can probably be traced to his ACL injury back in the 2012 playoffs against the Washington Redskins. Clemons had an impact in Super Bowl 48 and is one of the poster boys for the Pete Carroll, John Schneider era, but I just don't see the Seahawks keeping him for the money he is due.
Sidney Rice was one of the first big free agents that Carroll and Schneider signed. Rice had steady numbers his first two seasons as a Seahawk. His 2012 campaign was his best, snagging seven touchdown passes. Rice's 2013 season had hot and cold moments, his best game was against the Jacksonville Jaguars; he had two touchdown catches. Five weeks later Rice suffered a torn ACL against the St. Louis Rams. Injuries have unfortunately been a part of Rice's career whilst with the Seahawks and before. Because of his many lingering injuries and a healing ACL, the Seahawks will most likely only keep him if Golden Tate walks and they do not sign or draft a receiver to fill his place. Even then Rice will most likely take a pay cut.
Red Bryant has become a fan favorite in Seattle since he was drafted from Texas A&M in 2008. He is a run defense specialist and is actually one of the best in the entire NFL. Bryant received a big pay raise after the 2011 season, where he had two interceptions and 32 tackles. Since then Bryant has had a few nagging injuries but none serious enough to keep him from missing or starting a game. Bryant is great at being a run stuffer and line disruptor, unfortunately he is paid a little too much for what he offers.
Max Unger has had back to back pro bowl seasons, but they are somewhat of a smokescreen over his actual production. While Unger is an above average center, he has suffered from hand and ankle injuries over the past two seasons and his ability to block one on one has gone down substantially in that amount of time. The latest example of this was in Super Bowl XLVIII against Terrence Knighton, but even before that game Unger seemed to have similar issues. Backup Lemuel Jean-Pierre looked much better and more nimble than Unger when he played in his place throughout the season. Jean-Pierre will most likely be re-signed and will make a push for Unger's starting spot. Practice squad center Jared "Fat Rabbit" Smith was signed to a future contract. He will also be a part of the competition for the starting center role. I don't think that Unger will be cut until the Seahawks are well into training camp.
James Carpenter is a player most Seahawks fans are unsure of. He was the first, first round pick Pete Carroll and John Schneider made. Carpenter has since seen time at right tackle and left guard. He has sustained knee injuries and often has conditioning issues throughout training camp and the regular season, which is why he is often used in doses with Paul McQuistan. Since McQuistan is likely walking out the door, Carpenter has to show that he can be a full-time starting left guard. While there have been flashes of that, they are often then overlooked by poor play or less playing time. Expect to see second year offensive lineman, Michael Bowie, compete for Carpenter's job and perhaps roster spot. Bowie started in the divisional round of the 2013 NFL Playoffs against the New Orleans Saints. He had a stellar game, showing he can be a very effective guard in both run and pass block situations. Carpenter is a better run blocker than pass blocker, but is still fine tuning his abilities. Just like Unger, I don't see Carpenter getting cut until training camp, if he is cut at all.
All that being said the Seahawks would have 35.4 million dollars in salary cap room. Which would make extending Earl Thomas an easy task. Thomas will probably earn between 7.5-11 million dollars per season. Michael Bennett would be the next priority for the Seahawks; his contract would probably have him paid between 7 and 9 million dollars per season. Assuming these two are signed to their highest cap hit numbers, 20 million combined. The Seahawks would have 15.4 million dollars to spend on the rest of the free agents that they want to keep.
Doug Baldwin and Steven Hauschka would most likely be the next in line to pay. Hauschka would make around 2-4 million if re-signed. Baldwin would make between 3-5 million. Those two signings would put the cap above 10 million. Leaving cheaper re-signings such as Jeron Johnson and Lemuel Jean-Pierre as the next easiest signings.
Michael Robinson is a wild card on being re-signed. He is beloved by fans for the "Real Robinson Report" and was signed midway through the season after being cut in the preseason due to an illness. Robinson will not be an expensive contract, however that does not make his re-signing a sure thing. Derrick Coleman and Spencer Ware are waiting for their opportunities at his spot.
Clinton McDonald and Tony McDaniel are both going to be free agents this offseason. The Seahawks will most likely only re-sign one of the two. Both had very big roles in the Seahawks defense. McDonald is the more explosive and better pass rusher of the two, which is why he will most likely require more money. Making McDaniel the likely candidate to being re-signed. Don't forget Jesse Williams and Jordan Hill will be back for the Seahawks next season. Both looked great in training camp and the preseason but suffered injuries. Hill was used sparingly through the season, and Williams was placed on IR. Williams got the opportunity to get his knee fully healed and his strength up (hard to believe considering he benched 600lbs) in his home country of Australia. Expect big things from these men.
Walter Thurmond III was playing his way to a pretty big pay day before his four game suspension for using a banned league substance. It was said that Thurmond was close to signing an extension with 5 million per year, but after the incident the offer was lowered to 1 or 2 million. After a stellar performance throughout the playoffs Thurmond might see a bigger payday elsewhere. San Diego, Denver and Jacksonville are most likely c to sign Thurmond to a bigger deal than the Seahawks. Jeremy Lane, Tharold Simon, Deshawn Shead and potentially Jeron Johnson (if re-signed) are prime candidates to take over Thurmond's spot.
What about Golden Tate? Tate is the biggest name that has the greatest chance of leaving. With money caught up in Thomas, Bennett, Hauschka and Baldwin. Tate would have to take a serious hometown discount. Tate will get some much bigger offers from other teams; the Carolina Panthers are the team that I believe will make a strong push for him. Hakeem Nicks is also on the Panthers radar, but they will be able to afford both giving Nicks less money than Tate due to Nicks' past two down seasons.
If the Seahawks lose Tate and let guys like McQuistan and Giacomini go there is no need to be concerned. Michael Bowie will make a strong push for McQuistan's old spot and Alvin Bailey will make a push for Giacomini's. Bailey saw more and more time as the season progressed. He started with spot duty at left and right tackle in the regular season and spent time as an eligible tackle in the NFC Championship game and Super Bowl. In both of those games he was a big part of a Marshawn Lynch touchdown run. Jermaine Kearse showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season and post season and could make Seahawks fans not miss Tate at all if he walked away. The Seahawks will also address their needs through the draft and free agency.
This offseason will be full of excitement and expectations, but look for the Seahawks to get even better with their developing young talent. The future is bright and one to be excited about. Go Hawks!
