A 10-step plan to get the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl
By Geoff Shull
Step 2: Extensions to keep talent in Seattle long term.
The Seahawks have quite a few very talented players on their roster. The team would be better served to extend a couple of their key players now before their market values increase any further. All in all, I have four extensions I believe Seattle would be best suited to knock out this year.
Extend Jamal Adams: 3 years, $51 million ($17 APY).
Age: 25.
Total contract value: 4 years, $60.8 million ($15.2 million).
This extension would give Adams the largest contract for a safety by a sizeable margin. As I previously explained, my personal limit for how much I am willing to spend on Adams ends at $17 million. Anything greater, I would likely see what I can get for him on the trade market.
Adams is a dynamic play-maker. He can rush the passer, defeat the run, make plays in coverage. He can truly do it all. Best of all, he brings the type of energy and leadership to the team that helps elevate those around him. A true investment in the future. However, it’s hard to justify a jump in safety valuation any further than this figure per year.
Old 2021 cap hit: $9.8 million.
New 2021 cap hit: $5.8 million.
- 2022: $16 million.
- 2023: 18.5 million.
- 2024: $20.5 million.
Savings from move in 2021: $4 million.
Extend Michael Dickson: 4 years, $16 million ($4 APY).
Age: 25.
Total contract value: 5 years, $19.384 million ($3.87 APY).
I shouldn’t need to justify this move to anyone. Dickson is amongst the best punters in the NFL. This move would have him paid as so. Arguably one of the best special teams’ weapons in the NFL. It is imperative to the special teams’ core that he remains in Seattle long-term.
Old 2021 cap hit: $3.384 million.
New 2021 cap hit: $2.684 million.
- 2022: $3.3 million.
- 2023: $3.9 million.
- 2024: $4.5 million.
- 2025: $5 million.
Savings from move in 2021: $700k.
Extend Poona Ford: 4 years, $41 million ($10.25 APY).
Age: 25.
This is where the savings run dry for this slide. Both Poona and the next player will increase the cost to the team in 2021. However, the extension is being done to avoid the likely spike in market values if the team waits until next year.
Ford is a fan favorite. He is the underdog who made it. He plays with all-out energy that is contagious. His run-stopping ability is elite. He showed some real promise as a pass rusher this past season as well. Best of all, I don’t believe he has even come close to his peak.
If Seattle places the second-round tender on him ($3.59 million), his value in the 2022 off-season could be significantly higher than the projected contract above.
Old 2021 cap hit: $3.59 million.
New 2021 cap hit: $5.75 million.
- 2022: $10.75 million.
- 2023: $11.75 million.
- 2024: $12.75 million.
Savings from move in 2021: -$2.2 million.
Extend D.J. Reed: 3 years, $33 million ($11 APY).
Total contract value: 4 years, $34 million ($8.5 APY).
Age: 24.
Reed was a revelation for the Seahawks defensive back group last season. He stepped up in a huge way after Quinton Dunbar went down with an injury. Stepped up doesn’t quite cut it, he quickly became the best cornerback on the roster. He showed poise, confidence, and swagger when playing. This is critical for cornerback success. He plays like a true alpha.
Over 10 games played, Reed had 62 tackles, 7 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 2 tackles for a loss. He plays with incredibly sticky coverage and doesn’t shy away from contact. He is just entering his age 24 season and this contract would keep him in a Seahawks uniform through age 27 season.
Old 2021 cap hit: $920k.
New 2021 cap hit: $2.5 million.
- 2022: $9.75 million.
- 2023: $10.5 million.
- 2024: $11.17 million.
Savings from move in 2021: -$1.6 million.
Previous effective cap space: $17.5 million.
Cumulative savings from this slide: $950k.
New effective cap space: $18.4 million.