Seahawks GM John SchneiderRich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Seattle Seahawks finished above .500 this season, but they missed the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since the 2008 and 2009 campaigns. They’re now gearing up for what could be an interesting offseason.
Since making the Super Bowl in 2014, the Seahawks have been stuck in good-not-great territory. They’ve had only one 12-win season and have failed to make it past the divisional round of the playoffs. The roster is now getting older, and it might be time to say goodbye to a few key contributors from the last decade.
Projected Salary-Cap Space (per Spotrac): $-11.6 million
The Seahawks will begin the offseason in the red for cap space. They could always restructure contracts, but they should consider moving on from aging veterans such as Tyler Lockett, who will turn 33 in September and whose production has declined in recent years. Parting ways with him before June 1 could save Seattle $17 million.
The Seahawks could also release fellow wideout DK Metcalf after June 1 to save $18 million, although that’s far less likely. The same goes for Geno Smith, whom they could release to save $31 million. However, this isn’t a great year to be in the quarterback market.
It feels like a foregone conclusion that they’ll release defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones to save $16.5 million. Uchenna Nwosu (nearly $15 million) and Rayshawn Jenkins ($5.4 million) could also be on the chopping block.
General manager John Scheider has plenty of players whom he can part with to get above water, but he’d be busy finding their replacements this spring.
Top 2025 Free-Agency Target: C Drew Dalman, Atlanta Falcons
Center was an issue in Seattle all season. The Seahawks signed Connor Williams at the beginning of training camp, but he abruptly retired about halfway through the season, leaving them with questions in the middle of the offensive line again.
After shedding at least a few of the contracts mentioned above, Seattle should go after Dalman, who’s arguably the best center available in free agency. The 27-year-old has been a consistent player throughout his career and would bring stability to one of the Seahawks’ most unstable positions.
2025 NFL Draft Picks (Overall No. per Tankathon):
Round 6: No. 184 (via CHI), No. 210 (comp)
*Projected pick for a playoff team, subject to change
Top 2025 Draft Prospect Target: OT Armand Membou, Missouri
The Seahawks have had issues keeping Abraham Lucas on the field over the last two years. He’s missed more games (21) than he’s played (13) in during that timeframe. Lucas is also entering a contract year, so the club should consider drafting his replacement this spring.
Membou could be that player for Seattle. It helps that the Missouri product can line up on the inside as well.
“Overall, Membou is a young prospect who is a loose, explosive mover with a dense, powerful build, good length, and a rugged demeanor that allows him to match up on an island in pass protection and deliver body blows as a finisher,” B/R’s Brandon Thorn wrote in his scouting report for the former Tiger.
“There are rough edges with his aiming points and hands that lead to penetration and falling off of blocks that will need to get cleaned up. Still, his physical tools, pass protection skills and demeanor signal a year one starter with the runway to become an impact player at tackle or guard.”
