It’s obviously no coincidence that the Seahawks released stalwarts Doug Baldwin and Kam Chancellor the same day they came to an agreement with Ziggy Ansah.
As it turns out, they netted about $9 million in salary cap space, which — surprise! — is exactly what they reportedly are paying Ansah. (The cap savings probably will be more like $8 million once Baldwin claims his CBA-allowed $1.2 million injury payout.)
But the bottom line: The Seahawks still have about $25.5 million in cap space, minus what they paid new nickel competitor Jamar Taylor. Take away $3.3 million for rookie bonus proration and $1.3 million for the practice players, and that leaves around $21 million.
The Seahawks also have to earmark in-season injury replacement money — say $4 million — and Ansah’s unaccounted per-game bonuses, probably around $1 million (they count against the cap as earned). So that leaves about $16 million for free agents and possible extensions for Bobby Wagner and Jarran Reed.
John Schneider quickly added run stuffer Al Woods, reportedly for $2.25 million. But he also could add one more pass disruptor. Nick Perry, reportedly well recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2018 season, probably would cost no more than $5 million. The less-accomplished Shane Ray would cost less.
Ndamukong Suh also is out there, but his price and attitude might not be worth it.
That brings us to guys we have mentioned in other posts: Gerald McCoy and Taco Charlton.
Tampa Bay apparently might release McCoy, the longtime star D-tackle who is due $13 million in 2019. The 31-year-old is signed for three more seasons and would seem a good get — if the price were right.
Seattle could have Tampa restructure his deal to pay $5 million of his $13 million, so the Hawks would pay just $8 million in 2019. Send a 2020 fourth-rounder for McCoy and a sixth — or a contingent pick (4/5) based on whether the Hawks keep him in 2020. Or, more likely, they could wait to see whether he is released.
The Hawks also could try to trade for Taco Charlton, a 2017 first-round pick by Dallas. Dallas still needs safety help and apparently has heard from other teams. No word on whether the Hawks are one of those clubs, but would the Cowboys take Tedric Thompson for Charlton?
The Seahawks also could use another pass catcher for Russell Wilson. They drafted three receivers, so they don’t seem interested in adding a veteran wideout. But they might be interested in upgrading at tight end — which brings us to Minnesota’s Kyle Rudolph.
Due to a contract impasse, the Vikings apparently might trade their top tight end. The Seahawks have Will Dissly coming off a torn patellar tendon, with Ed Dickson and Nick Vannett the two others. Perhaps the Hawks might like to try to upgrade by offering Dickson or Vannett and a late-round pick for the 29-year-old Rudolph.
In reality, the only thing the Seahawks seem very likely to do is add a veteran D-tackle. But they have room to add a couple more guys, so they might as well try.