Seahawks expected to release defensive end Red Bryant
Oct 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant (79) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Red Bryant is expected to be released by the Seahawks in order to clear enough cap space to sign Michael Bennett to a new contract, according to multiple reports.
Alex Marvez was among the first to break the news on Sunday:
Source tells @FOXSports1 @Seahawks expected 2 release DE Red Bryant & hope 2 use cap space toward new contract 4 pending UFA Michael Bennett
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) February 24, 2014
Bryant’s current contract would reportedly be an $8.5 million cap hit for the Seahawks, but releasing him would save the Seahawks about $5.5 million in cap space.
NFL.com reported that the move should clear up enough cap room to help the Seahawks re-sign Bennett and Golden Tate, both of whom were considered free agent priorities for the Seahawks this offseason.
Bryant was drafted by the Seahawks in 2008 and has played his entire career with the team. In 64 games, he recorded 121 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Last season, he made 31 tackles and recorded 1.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-4, 323 pounds, he helped Seattle’s defensive line hold opposing rushers to 101.6 rushing yards per game, seventh-best in the league.
His consistency was also been brilliant — Bryant played in 47 of the Seahawks 48 regular season games the past three seasons.