Seahawks Release Ben Obomanu

In a move that should surprise no one, the Seattle Seahawks today released wide receiver Ben Obomanu. Obomanu was due $2.3 million this season, and was going to be the teams #5 (at best) on the depth chart at wide receiver. His release saves the team $2.3 million against cap as well.

Much of Obomanu’s value in the past came from his work on special teams, but that is no longer the problem it once was. The last couple seasons has seen a great improvement in the talent on special teams, and there was no drop off in play quality when Obomanu was placed on injured reserve last season.

Cutting Obomanu does not necessarily mean that the Seahawks will sign anyone else. They are already well over the cap, and are living on the cap space the rolled over from last season. To make sure they don’t face a major cap crunch a year from now, they’ll need to once again roll over some cap space in 2014.

That also doesn’t mean the Seahawks are done. I expect them to add a 3-technique defensive tackel in the coming days. Most likely that’ll be re-signing Alan Branch on a very team friendly deal.

Dec 12, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (15) leaps over wide receiver Ben Obomanu (87) while running with the ball during the 2nd half against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated St. Louis 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports