Most heartbreaking future Seahawks departure?

[kearly]

I was reading the Seahawks.com article on how Richard Sherman has been overwhelmingly chosen by players, coaches, and scouts at the practices as the Seahawks best performer in training camp (which includes a rave review from Michael Irvin). It was a reminder of how lucky we are to have not just Richard Sherman the icon, but Richard Sherman the hardworking, intelligent, unique all-universe corner.

Then I had a weird thought- about how weird it would feel if Seattle didn't feel they could budget for Sherman and ended up trading him down the road. I think that has almost no chance of happening, but if it did, it would probably be the most painful departure during a player's prime since Steve Hutchinson or maybe Ken Griffey Jr.

Unfortunately, Seattle is going to start running up against the cap beginning next season, especially if they sign Sherman to his ginormous extension after this season is over (very likely, IMO). At least a few players we like are going to be let go. Maybe Brandon Browner. Maybe Golden Tate. Maybe Doug Baldwin (via RFA / trade). Maybe Sidney Rice or Zach Miller (cut). You get the idea.

So my question for this topic is, which player would sting the most to see leave due to cash considerations? I'm going to exclude Wilson and Sherman from the options because Sherman probably isn't going anywhere, period and Wilson isn't going anywhere, exclamation point. Among the rest, who in partciular are you really hoping to see get a 2nd contract, or remain on his current expensive long term contract?

 

[Yoonhawk]

Why do you have to harsh my buzz on a game day?

 

[kearly]

Because I was bored and because I'm a tactless jerk. Next question.

 

[pehawk]

Michael Robinson, easy. Not only is he a conduit between the team and all of us, but I have a genuine soft spot for players who switch positions. The fact he was QB, at a big time school, adds to his luster for me.

I'm also a tad sad Leroy's gone. He played solid last year. Not great, not poor, just steady.

 

[Lady Talon]

For me, Zach Miller. He may have been quiet, blocking Lynch out of 8 man boxes (and assisting the OL with pass pro) while Wilson learned the ropes, but he was money once Bevell began opening the playbook, and a holy terror in the playoffs. I think behind Wilson and Lynch he ought to be our most feared skill player among opposing DC's the way he's a shot in the arm to our offense.

I'd rather have him then Vernon Davis, the way he was a no complaint team player last season.

 

[Anonymous]

Maxwell McCandless Unger.

Max is playing under a 4-year, 24 million-dollar contract extension signed in 2012. Being one of the top 5 highest-paid centers in the league, it is quite possible his could be one of the contracts restructured in an attempt to hold onto Sherman and keep the guys you mention.

Unger is absolutely essential to the continuity of the offense, and I would NOT want to have Russell take snaps from anyone else.

 

[CalgaryHawk]

I'll miss Golden Tate if he leaves - I like his personality and his expressed love for the Seahawks.

 

[Thunderhawk]

Golden Tate. I love his game and attitude but he and Harvin are analogous and I can't see a front office that prizes physical diversity paying them both.

Gonna hate to see him go, especially when I have little confidence in the guy that is replacing him...

 

[SharkHawk]

Players always come and go. I'm used to it. I dealt with Griffey, Payton, Kemp, Gus Williams, Jack Sikma, and Ichiro all leaving. I can handle anything at this point and expect nothing but some really crappy outcomes based on past experience. When Pete leaves I'll be gutted though. Coaches aren't counted against the cap and can stay as long as they want/win. I'll feel the same way I felt when Chuck Knox left. Defeated. I knew the team was struggling under him (I blame ownership), but it wasn't like they were going to make a better hire (and obviously didn't). I remember Eagles fans crying more than Vermeil did when he left (and that's saying something). I'll feel the same as they did. Same as Cowboys fans did when Landry got ousted or Steelers fans did when Noll got booted. Losing Pete is going to hurt.

 

[drdiags]

Marshawn Lynch.

He helped Pete implement his physical brand of football on the offensive side of the ball. Most don't expect him to see the end of his current contract and some think his replacement is currently on the team.

Big Red/Brandon Mebane,

Now the seniority DL with the team and good friends on and off the field, they both saw the lows of a putrid Seahawks team under Holmgren/Mora and the upswing to the sexy beast that is the current team. Help create a new identity of the defense and have paid their dues.

MRob,

Heart and soul of the team on offense and ST. Is going to be a brief, tough moment when he is cut. Time marches on.

 

[McGruff]

Earl Thomas

 

[-The Glove-]

I'd be crushed if ET left. Also, Doug Baldwin. Dude's a baller and works so hard. He's always talking to the fans too.

 

[titan3131]

I believe that js and pc have a plan and will keep everyone.

How??

My theory is that these heavy contracts are temporary. Sidney, zach, max, big red, clem, even lynch will get their full time and money, but thru js they're understanding that the tension is $ (short term pleasure) vs legacy (rings)

They had paydays but I believe they will resign way under the true value to stay here. Knowing that others need to get paid to stay and be competitive.

The power of the hometown discount, we are no longer south Alaska. We are a ******* juggernaut of team crushing proportions.

Mark my words, they dynasty that is in our future will make every seahawk a urban legend. Curing the seattle drought of championships.

 

[Largent80]

Pete and/or John.

 

[grizbob]

If by future you mean after multiple Super Bowl wins, c'est la vie mon ami :mrgreen:

 

[the_12th_man]

ET III would be devastating. He's my favorite hawk but also I don't think anybody else in the league could replace. He's the main cornerstone of our defense with his ability to play single high, and really allows everyone else to do what they do. I'd really miss Beast mode too considering he gave this team the identity it has today, plus he's just fun to watch.

 

[Sarlacc83]

M Rob leaving would break my heart. As would the departure of Lynch and Unger.

 

[Starrman44]

I can't imagine #3, #25, or #29 leaving. #31 just got a contract, so he seems safe as well.

Mike Rob, Golden Tate, Max Unger, Brandon Mebane, and a ton of others would hurt and it would be wierd seeing in other uniforms.

The one guy that will really make me sad, though, is Red Bryant. Funny thing is, I don't think we would miss him too much from a performance standpoint, but he just seems like he's a part of the fabric of the Seahawks. He has the ties to Jacob Green, he's so awesome in interviews (seems like he's just being himself). I think eventually he'll be replaced, but it will hurt like crazy.

 

[sc85sis]

Players always come and go. I'm used to it. I dealt with Griffey, Payton, Kemp, Gus Williams, Jack Sikma, and Ichiro all leaving. I can handle anything at this point and expect nothing but some really crappy outcomes based on past experience. When Pete leaves I'll be gutted though. Coaches aren't counted against the cap and can stay as long as they want/win. I'll feel the same way I felt when Chuck Knox left. Defeated. I knew the team was struggling under him (I blame ownership), but it wasn't like they were going to make a better hire (and obviously didn't). I remember Eagles fans crying more than Vermeil did when he left (and that's saying something). I'll feel the same as they did. Same as Cowboys fans did when Landry got ousted or Steelers fans did when Noll got booted. Losing Pete is going to hurt.

Yes it will. Trust me.

 

[Snohomie]

ET would probably be as hard for me as any Seahawk has. Liked him pre-draft, he's unique in his skillset and how we use him, fast as hell which makes some of his tackles absolutely awesome on replay, and he's a quiet lead-by-example type on a team with enough vocal leadership. Plus, long hair is the best friend of any wannabe scout. I think the FO views him as a "keep at the expense of other guys" type of player, though.

I think Rice is a real possibility and that would bite. I think his deep ability did more for our offense than most realize even when the ball isn't going his way. We saw fewer safeties in the box in 2012 than we did in 2009, despite the huge differences in the run game, and that is half Rice (half having a QB with a deep ball). So that's probably my most realistic choice.