The Seattle Seahawks probably have vacation plans already scheduled, sadly. The players know they won't be going to the postseason, so they and their families and friends know they will have a few months off before any kind of minicamps begin. This is the third time in four seasons that Seattle has missed the playoffs.
Seattle does not have a ton of free agents that could leave the team this offseason. The offseason drama might be about any talk that veterans under contract through at least 2025 might be released. Seattle has less than zero as far as cap space next offseason, so changes will need to be made.
To make cap space, players such as Dre'Mont Jones might need to go. He would clear more than $10 million in cap room all by himself. But players more meaningful to 12s than Jones will also likely be replaced. The following fan-favorites might also be losing their jobs in the coming offseason.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett
Lockett would save the team $17 million by being released (or retiring). The issue is that he has been such an amazing person off the field that his no longer being on the team is difficult to fathom. The NFL is a tough business, and ultimately, teams do need to make difficult financial decisions. As Lockett is no more than a WR3 at this point, the team cannot truly afford to have the receiver have a cap hit of $30 million in 2025.
Maybe Lockett will restructure his contract this offseason and stick around for a couple of more years. He has been seemingly making more "business decisions" lately and hitting the ground quicker before he gets hit by a defender. Who can blame him? He is close to retirement no matter what happens this offseason, and there is no reason to risk a long-term injury.
Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman George Fant
Fant appeared in just two games this season, his second stint with the Seahawks. He was injured a couple of different times, and he will likely only take up a roster spot from a younger player to backup right tackle Abe Lucas. Moving on from Fant would save the team nearly $4 million. He won't play against the Rams, but his presence on the sidelines will likely be the last 12s see of the former tight end.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith
Smith is under contract through 2025 and could very well be back. His cap hit isn't massive for a QB1 at $38.5 million, but does the team see him as a long-term starter? Should Seattle instead try to trade up in the draft to take one of the highly-ranked quarterbacks? The problem is that this year's quarterback draft class is not overly exciting.
Still, Seattle needs to save money where it can. Perhaps the Seahawks work out an extension with the quarterback and that redices his cap hit in 2025. He has still made too many red zone errors this season to prove he can win deep in the playoffs. Seattle could just move on from Smith and start all over at his position.
Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu
Nwosu certainly is not a bad player. He just has not stayed healthy enough to play. He has suffered several injuries over the last two years. His first sack since Week 7 of 2023 came in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears but that doesn't exactly scream he should be worthy of a cap hit of nearly $21.5 million next year.
Should Seattle release him, the team would save $8.4 million. The team has gotten used to playing without the edge rusher and giving a bunch of reps to Derick Hall and Boye Mafe. That might continue to be a wise move in the future.