Four potential cap casualties Seahawks should target in free agency
By Lee Vowell
The beginning of NFL free agency is a bit over a week away. The Seahawks, like other NFL teams, can begin legal tampering on March 13th and free agents can officially sign contracts as early as March 15th. Seattle doesn’t usually make splashy early moves in free agency, but maybe this offseason will be different.
While many players’ contracts have terminated naturally and are free to sign elsewhere, there are always interesting salary cap casualties that teams release even when they may not want to. The Los Angeles Rams, for instance, probably don’t want to lose Bobby Wagner, but the Rams have already announced they will release him in a cost-saving move. Heck, Los Angeles might even trade cornerback Jalen Ramsey to save money.
Many of the cap casualties have yet to be announced. Closer to March 15th when some contracts become guaranteed, players will learn they won’t be back. Here is a guess at four players that will be released and who the Seahawks should try signing.
Seahawks target No. 4: Cornerback Byron Jones
I know Jones hasn’t exactly been great for the Dolphins. In fact, he didn’t even play in 2022 due to an injury. But part of what his issue might have been with Miami (assuming he is released, of course) is that he was a bit out of position. After playing really well for the Cowboys at right cornerback for a few seasons, Jones signed a huge deal with Miami where he switched to the left side.
That might not matter to all cornerbacks, but some players just are better on one side than the other. The same thing happened with D.J. Reed when he was with Seattle. He was surprisingly good in 2020 for Seattle but started off a bit poorly in 2021. Then Seattle switched Reed back to the right side and the problem was fixed.
If Jones, and wherever he goes his contract is going to be greatly reduced from where it would have been had the Dolphins (again, just assuming at this point) not released him, comes to Seattle then the Seahawks can stick him on the right side opposite Tariq Woolen and I think Jones plays well. Plus, Seattle should have enough CB depth that if Jones doesn’t work out, he can be replaced. But my guess would be Jones does well.