Seattle Seahawks: Roster Cuts for 2014
By Todd Pheifer
Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons (91) during the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Seahawks are on top of the NFL world. The goals for this season have been triumphantly met, and the Emerald City can truly celebrate their amazing football team.
Now, it is time to get back to work. Give the team a little time off, but there is more that this team can accomplish.
For better or for worse, the NFL is a business. Teams would love to keep all of their talented players, but the salary cap is in place to maintain a competitive balance. Feel free to take notes, Major League Baseball.
What this means is that some players may need to go. This is not because they are no longer effective. Unfortunately they may be too expensive. Here are a few players that may be salary cap casualties:
Rice has a high cap number and a history of health issues. Not a good combination. According to spotrac.com, Rice will count $9.7 million against the cap in 2014. If Percy Harvin is healthy, the Seahawks may not need Rice. The ‘Hawks may be more inclined to spend that money on Golden Tate so that Russell Wilson can keep throwing the ball to Harvin, Tate, Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse.
Clemons had a solid season for the Seahawks after returned from knee surgery. The physical defensive end will turn 33 in October and will also count almost $9.7 million against the cap. Seattle would need to replace his production, but given the potential popularity of the franchise right now, they may be able to lure a cheaper (and younger) free agent.
Miller will be a tough call because the NFL is a league where quality tight ends can be extremely valuable. In terms of the salary cap, Miller is a little cheaper at $7 million for 2014. It will be interesting to see if the Seahawks cut Miller or perhaps look to restructure the deal. If Miller is not back in 2014, Luke Willson will need to step up.