The Seattle Seahawks made headlines recently when it was announced that they would be releasing Pro Bowl safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, as well as tight end Will Dissly. This move is expected to clear significant salary cap space for the team and leave a void on the back end of their defense. The Seahawks will save $6.1 million once morest the cap by releasing Adams and $11 million by releasing Diggs. Dissly’s release will save $6.97 million once morest the cap.
These moves were made due to the team’s need for more cap flexibility in order to re-sign their own players and build a championship roster. With just over $7 million in effective cap space before these releases, the Seahawks needed to create more room to retain key players like Leonard Williams, Damien Lewis, Jordyn Brooks, Bobby Wagner, Colby Parkinson, and Noah Fant. These unrestricted free agents would have required more cap space than the team had available, even following restructuring quarterback Geno Smith’s contract.
Adams’ release was also influenced by his injury history during his time with the team. Since joining the Seahawks in July 2020, Adams has dealt with several injuries, including finger, elbow, groin, shoulder, and quadricep tendon tear. These injuries limited his availability and hindered his performance in the games he did play. Additionally, the Seahawks feel comfortable with Julian Love, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season and has a much lower cap hit compared to Adams.
Although Diggs filled a void in the team’s defense, Seattle ultimately decided to part ways with him due to his age and price tag. They believe they can find a suitable replacement at a much lower cost in free agency or the draft.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks will focus on revamping their defense, which ranked 25th in scoring and 29th in expected points added per play in 2023. They have several options to replace Adams and Diggs, including Coby Bryant, Jerrick Reed II, and Jonathan Sutherland. With new head coach Mike Macdonald leading the way, the Seahawks aim to build a younger and more impactful defense in the upcoming season.
The implications of these moves go beyond just the Seahawks’ roster. It highlights the ongoing challenges teams face in managing their salary cap and securing key players while also trying to build a competitive team. As the NFL continues to evolve, teams will need to make strategic decisions regarding which players to retain and which ones to let go. The Seahawks’ actions may serve as a blueprint for other teams facing similar challenges.
In conclusion, the release of Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, and Will Dissly by the Seattle Seahawks is a significant move that demonstrates the team’s commitment to creating more cap space and re-signing their own players. It also highlights the ongoing challenges teams face in managing their roster and balancing the need for top talent with financial considerations. As the NFL offseason progresses, other teams will likely take note of the Seahawks’ approach and make similar decisions to address their own roster needs.
