The Seattle Seahawks are heading into a new era in 2025, a season that brings with it both opportunities and challenges. As they transition, the team’s focus will largely be on improving its offensive line, an area that has been a consistent weakness for nearly 15 years. However, before they can address that critical need, the Seahawks will have to manage a substantial salary cap crisis, with an effective cap space deficit of around $30.7 million, placing them in one of the most precarious financial positions in the entire NFL.
To regain financial flexibility and make necessary moves to improve the roster, the Seahawks will likely have to make some tough decisions, including releasing or restructuring the contracts of several key players. While the team has a few financial headaches to resolve, the situation is not entirely bleak. There are players who, due to their contracts, performance, or potential for future contributions, could become potential salary cap casualties in 2025. Among these players, quarterback Geno Smith and a few others could find themselves on the chopping block.
Starting with Smith, the veteran quarterback who led the team to a surprising playoff appearance in 2023, his situation is one that will generate a lot of debate. After a career revival, Smith proved he still has the ability to lead an NFL offense. However, his contract is not exactly friendly to the Seahawks’ salary cap, and with Seattle’s financial difficulties, it’s possible the team could move on from him, especially if they opt to draft or trade for a younger quarterback in 2025. Cutting Smith would free up a significant chunk of cap space, and although it would create a considerable void at the quarterback position, the Seahawks may feel the need to prioritize the future and financial health of the team.
Another player who could become a casualty is linebacker Bobby Wagner. The future Hall of Famer returned to the Seahawks in 2022, bringing veteran leadership and a proven ability to perform at a high level. However, Wagner’s cap hit for 2025 is substantial, and the team will have to assess whether his aging body and high salary are worth the value he brings. While Wagner’s leadership and on-field performance are irreplaceable, the Seahawks may decide that the money saved by cutting or trading him would be better spent elsewhere on the roster, particularly as they look to bolster the offensive line.
Wide receiver Tyler Lockett, another long-time Seahawk, could also find himself in danger of being cut or traded in 2025. Lockett has been a consistent contributor for Seattle since entering the league in 2015, but his contract makes him a prime candidate for a salary cap reset. With Seattle’s financial struggles, it might be difficult for the team to justify keeping a player like Lockett on the roster if the cap hit is too large. While he remains a top-tier receiver, the Seahawks may decide to part ways with Lockett in order to open up financial room to build up their offensive line or address other needs.
In addition to these skill players, defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who is coming off a solid but aging career, could be a casualty as well. Dunlap has been a valuable pass rusher for the Seahawks, but his age and declining performance in recent years could make his contract unsustainable for the team. The Seahawks may opt to move on from Dunlap, whether through release or trade, in order to free up money to focus on their core needs and potentially bring in younger talent on the defensive line.
Defensive tackle Jarran Reed, who previously left Seattle in free agency but rejoined the team for the 2024 season, could be another potential salary cap casualty. While Reed has been an impactful player for the Seahawks in the past, his current contract and the way he has performed in recent years may not justify keeping him on the roster at his current price tag. If the Seahawks are looking to cut costs, Reed could be a logical player to move on from, especially if they believe they can find younger, cheaper options to fill the same role in 2025.
Veteran offensive lineman Gabe Jackson is another player who could be on his way out due to the team’s ongoing focus on upgrading their offensive line. Jackson, who has struggled with consistency in recent seasons, carries a hefty cap number that could be too much for the team to justify given their financial situation. With Seattle’s clear emphasis on reshaping the offensive line, moving on from Jackson would allow the Seahawks to free up space for younger, potentially more cost-effective players to compete for starting roles in 2025.
Finally, cornerback Sidney Jones could also find himself in a precarious position heading into 2025. While Jones has shown flashes of promise since joining the Seahawks, his inconsistent play and injury history might lead the team to evaluate whether he is worth his contract. If the Seahawks feel they can upgrade at cornerback either through the draft or free agency, Jones could be a player they look to move on from, allowing them to free up valuable cap space to address other needs.
As the Seahawks work to navigate their salary cap situation, the decisions they make in the coming months will significantly impact their ability to build a competitive team for 2025 and beyond. While some of these players may be difficult to part with, the team’s financial challenges will likely force the front office to make tough calls. With the focus on rebuilding and improving key areas like the offensive line, it is clear that difficult roster decisions will be made to ensure the long-term success of the franchise. The moves Seattle makes in 2025 could be the first steps in returning the team to championship contention, but they will require sacrifices along the way.