Seahawks could make some shocking roster cuts very soon

Seahawks could even release the one of their best

I saved the most terrifying prospect for last. There’s a player whose release would save nearly as much as Britt’s. When you’re sitting on just $20 million in cap space, and you want Jadeveon Clowney, another star or two, and you’re projected to spend $7 million on your incoming rookies, every dollar counts. That’s why I’m truly concerned that Seattle may part ways with the man who’s been here the longest, linebacker K.J. Wright. Some say he’s lost a step. I’d say that’s more a function of Seattle staying in base defense more than anyone since Constantinople in 1453.

Pro Football Focus rated 2019 as his worst season ever, and pro.football.reference credited him with the least value since his rookie year. He still finished second in tackles on the team (behind Wagner, of course). His 132 combined tackles were 50 more than any other teammate and a career-high. He picked off three passes to boost his career total to five, and broke up 11 passes, nearly double what he’d done in any other season. Any alleged drop-off in his play is strictly a result of the Hawks being in the wrong defense far too often.

And yet, Seattle could save $7.5 million by releasing him. That amount would cover the entire rookie signing class. I can see that it would be very tempting. I can also see that it would be a huge mistake for the Seahawks. Yeah, I know, we let Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman walk. The defense is still paying for that, too. That’s all the more reason we shouldn’t compound those errors by parting ways with Wright. I’d hate to see the Hawks release Britt, McDougald, and Fluker. But odds are they’ll do exactly that. But seeing Wright leave would be gut-wrenching. He embodies the Seahawks spirit as much as any player. And yes, he can still kick ass with the best of them, too.