After an ultimately disappointing season in 2020, what is the Seattle Seahawks’ salary cap situation entering the 2021 NFL season? Let’s take a look at the Seahawks’ salary cap situation, as well as which players they could release, restructure, or extend to create additional salary cap space in 2021.
The Seahawks project to be around $11.5 million under the salary cap in 2021
As of March 6, the 2021 NFL salary cap projects to be around $185 million. The Seahawks will carry over $1.0 million in cap space to the 2021 season, as well as having a $474,758 adjustment applied to their cap per Spotrac. Therefore, the Seahawks’ current salary cap projects to be $186.4 million.
As it stands, the Seahawks have around $173.5 million in commitments to their top 51 highest-paid players, with an additional $1.3 million in dead money. As such, the Seahawks are currently around $11.6 million under the salary cap heading into 2021.
To view the most up-to-date numbers for the Seattle Seahawks’ salary cap space, check out our team by team 2021 salary cap space article, which is updated daily.
Seattle has a handful of potential options for releasing players
With a seemingly disgruntled Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks have some tough decisions to make this offseason. Opening up more salary cap space to address the constant issues for the Seahawks’ offensive line should be a priority.
Will the Seahawks move on from Carlos Dunlap this offseason?
After landing with the Seahawks in 2020, defensive end Carlos Dunlap added a new element to the Seahawks’ defense. In eight games, he recorded 5 sacks, 14 QB hits, and 6 tackles for loss.
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However, with a $14.0 million cap hit in 2021, Dunlap is an expensive piece of the Seahawks’ defense. If the Seahawks release Dunlap ahead of March 22 (the date he’d receive a $3 million roster bonus), they can save all $14.0 million in 2021 salary cap space.
Quandre Diggs may be surplus to requirements in Seattle
Diggs played well for the Seahawks in 2020, as he registered 5 interceptions and 10 passes defended. However, with a cap number of $6.2 million in 2021, the Seahawks may feel that money is better spent elsewhere. Thus, releasing Diggs would save all $6.2 million and provide the Seahawks with valuable money to upgrade their offensive line.
Which other players could the Seahawks release this offseason to open up more cap space?
- Brandon Shell, OT – Cap savings: $3.4 million; Dead money: $2.0 million
- Jason Myers, K – Cap savings: $2.4 million; Dead money: $2.0 million
- Michael Dickson, P – Cap savings: $3.4 million; Dead money: $72,538
- Tre Flowers, CB – Cap savings: $2.2 million; Dead money: $74,681
The Seahawks have players they can extend or restructure to create cap space in 2021
When it comes to contract restructures, the Seahawks have somewhat limited options. Nevertheless, in terms of potential extensions, the Seahawks have some opportunities to save salary cap space in 2021.
On offense, the Seahawks need to decide about Tyler Lockett and Duane Brown
Two of the Seahawks’ key pieces on offense in Lockett and Brown are entering the final year of their contracts. Lockett is due to count $15 million against the salary cap in 2021.
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Therefore, the Seahawks could potentially save around $9 million in 2021 with a conventional extension of converting his base salary and bonuses into a signing bonus. Doing so now would have the double benefit of keeping Wilson happy, while also freeing up cap space this year.
Speaking of keeping Wilson happy, securing the future of Duane Brown is likely a priority for Seattle this offseason. Brown is still among the best tackles in the league, and locking him up for the next few seasons should prevent further deterioration of the relationship with Wilson. By doing the extension this season, the Seahawks can save $7.4 million of his $13.4 million cap number.
There are three potential extension candidates on defense
If the Seahawks decide they cannot part ways with Dunlap, they may look to extend his deal. An extension could save around $10 million in salary cap space. Jarran Reed is another player on that defensive line entering the final year of his deal. With a cap number of $14.0 million, the Seahawks could save around $6.1 million in salary cap space in 2021.
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The other key name to consider is safety Jamal Adams. After the Seahawks traded for Adams last offseason, he is entering the final year of his deal. Adams will be playing on his fifth-year option, which is worth $9.9 million in base salary. Securing an extension in 2021 could save the Seahawks $7.1 million in salary cap space.
The Seahawks could restructure Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner’s contract
Russell Wilson still has three years remaining on his contract. His cap number in 2021 is $32.0 million. The Seahawks could move a total of $12 million into 2022 and 2023. However, with concerns surrounding Wilson’s future in Seattle, committing more potential dead money onto his contract is a risky idea.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner has two years left on his deal and a cap number of $17.2 million in 2021. The Seahawks can potentially move $6 million of that into 2022 with a contract restructure. However, they would be adding to a cap number that is already $20.4 million in 2022.
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