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Seahawks Face Salary Cap Crisis

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 19:15 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: Washington, UNITED STATES

Seattle, WA - February 12th, 2026 - The Seattle Seahawks, once perennial Super Bowl contenders, find themselves increasingly hampered not by on-field performance, but by a complex and tightening salary cap situation. While the team has demonstrated flashes of brilliance under head coach Mike Macdonald, and boasts a promising young core, the financial realities of the NFL are casting a long shadow over their aspirations for a championship run. The issue, initially highlighted in 2023, has only become more pronounced, and now represents a significant obstacle to building a consistently competitive roster.

The Lingering Legacy of Russell Wilson

The roots of Seattle's current predicament lie in the massive contract awarded to former quarterback Russell Wilson. While Wilson's departure in 2023 (after a protracted trade request ultimately resolved with a restructured, but still hefty, deal) was intended to create cap flexibility, the lingering dead money and subsequent contract adjustments continue to plague the team. His initial contract, carrying a $35 million cap hit in 2023, evolved into a complex web of guarantees and bonuses that continue to impact the Seahawks' financial planning even two years after his exit.

$21 Million Over the Limit: A Deepening Crisis

As of today, February 12th, 2026, the Seattle Seahawks are approximately $21 million over the NFL salary cap. This isn't a minor overage that can be easily addressed with simple maneuvers. It reflects a systemic issue stemming from previous contract decisions and the escalating costs of maintaining a competitive NFL team. The league's collective bargaining agreement, while offering some flexibility, imposes strict penalties for cap violations, making proactive management crucial.

Impact on Free Agency and Player Retention

The immediate consequence of this cap strain is a severely restricted ability to actively participate in free agency. While the Seahawks identified key needs at wide receiver and linebacker during the recent evaluation period, they have been largely sidelined from pursuing top-tier free agents. The competitive landscape is fierce, and teams with ample cap space are able to outbid Seattle for proven talent. Furthermore, the cap situation creates anxiety amongst existing players, particularly those nearing the end of their contracts. Securing key veterans like DK Metcalf and Bobby Wagner beyond their current deals will require creative financial structuring, potentially limiting the team's ability to address other positional needs. The risk of losing valuable contributors to more financially flexible teams looms large.

Navigating the Financial Minefield: Potential Solutions

The Seahawks' front office, led by General Manager John Schneider, is exploring all available avenues to alleviate the cap pressure. These include:

• Contract Extensions with Strategic Restructuring: Extending the contracts of core players like Charles Cross and Devon Witherspoon allows the team to spread out salary cap hits over a longer period. However, these extensions must be carefully structured to avoid simply pushing the problem further down the road.
• Post-June 1 Cuts: Releasing veteran players with significant cap hits after June 1st provides greater cap relief, as the dead money is spread over two seasons. While this option offers financial breathing room, it comes at the cost of losing experienced players and potentially impacting team chemistry. Sources indicate the team is considering the release of defensive end Carlos Dunlap to create space.
• Trade Scenarios: Trading players with large contracts, while difficult, remains a possibility. This could involve packaging a veteran player with draft capital to attract a trade partner willing to absorb the contract. However, such a move would necessitate finding a suitable replacement, further straining the team's limited resources.
• Increased Reliance on the Draft: The Seahawks are increasingly focusing on identifying and developing talent through the NFL Draft. This long-term strategy is essential for building a sustainable roster without relying heavily on expensive free agents. Their success in the 2023 and 2024 drafts is critical to their future.

The Road to Super Bowl Contention: A Tightrope Walk

The Seahawks' Super Bowl aspirations are undeniably complicated by their salary cap challenges. While a talented roster and strong coaching staff provide a solid foundation, financial constraints threaten to derail their progress. Overcoming this hurdle will require shrewd management, strategic decision-making, and a degree of luck. The team must find a balance between retaining key players, adding new talent, and remaining compliant with NFL rules. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Seahawks can navigate this financial minefield and return to championship contention.

Further Reading:

• [ Seahawks depth chart ]
• [ Seahawks schedule ]
• [ Seahawks draft picks ]