5 contracts holding Seattle Seahawks back right now

Seattle receiver Tyler Lockett

2024 cap hit: $26,895,000
2024 dead money: $19,790,000
Cap savings if released pre-June 1: $7,105,000
Cap savings if released post-June 1: $17,000,000

I don't want Lockett to leave. The hope is that the team can work out an extension with arguably the franchise's second-best receiver ever. But he had his worst season in 2023 since 2017 and he is a smaller receiver that relies on diminishing quickness to get open. Lockett is valuable, but he is also taking targets away from soon-to-be second-year pro Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

But look at the savings for the team, especially after June 1. Lockett is currently signed through 2025 and there is no reason to think Lockett will get better than he was in 2023. Seattle would not be able to spend the $17 million until after June 1, but there could also be some good veterans still floating around. Even the $7 million pre-June 1 could go toward a new safety potentially.

Seahawks defensive lineman Bryan Mone

2024 cap hit: $5,890,000
2024 dead money: $500,000
Cap savings if released: $5,390,000

Mone probably would be a good run stopper but he was injured in 2023 and there is no way Seattle keeps him around at his current salary. Mone has never proven to be consistently productive enough to earn that kind of money. Hopefully, Seattle could work out a new deal with Mone after releasing him but not cutting him from the roster at his current salary would be criminal.

All of that said, Seattle does need to find some defensive linemen who can stop the run. Mike Macdonald would probably be able to find the best use for Mone as well. He likely is never going to be a Pro Bowler, but 2024 could be Mone's best season by far if the Seahawks can find a way to keep him.