Seaside Joe 734

Notable 2021 contract figures and what to do

Sea Thoughts

Here are some interesting contract figures for 2021 and thoughts …

Russell Wilson, $32 million cap hit

The Seahawks could restructure to bring this down to $20 million, spreading the difference out of the remaining two years on his contract. This, of course, makes it more difficult to address any potential divorce with Wilson prior to 2023, which I don’t think is overly concerning despite the intrigue that comes with that story.

A contract extension, however, might even make it more feasible to trade Wilson in the future. But also more likely for him to retire (or close to it) in Seattle.

Jason Myers, $4.3 million

Michael Dickson, $3.4 million

Tyler Ott, $1.1 million

I just find it interesting that as of 2021, a solid special teams trio costs almost $10 million. That means Myers, Dickson, and Ott would account for 5-percent of a $180 million salary cap.

Bobby Wagner, $17 million

Tyler Lockett, $15 million

These are the two veterans who I’d focus on when it comes to the Seahawks attempting to get cute to save money and accumulate 2021 draft picks. It may come as a shock to most of the free world if Seattle trades Wagner, but the drafting of Jordyn Brooks and the trade for a team leader like Jamal Adams would suggest that the Seahawks could have been planning ahead for a split with the future Hall of Fame linebacker.

Getting a second round pick for Lockett, if Schneider can manage it, would be the wiser decision, I think.

Jamal Adams, $9.8 million

Quandre Diggs, $6.1 million

Trading Diggs would save $6.1 million, if the Seahawks have confidence in Marquise Blair moving forward. Extending Adams should also lower his 2021 cap hit and I believe is only a matter of time. Seattle doesn’t have any corners under contract besides D.J. Reed, so moving some money around with their safeties could help retain Shaq Griffin or Quinton Dunbar or both.

Rashaad Penny, $3.4 million

Being a first round pick is nothing to take lightly. Penny enters the final year of his fully guaranteed rookie contract and despite only 76 rushing attempts over the last two seasons, he’ll receive at least $2 million this year between his base salary and prorated signing bonus.

DK Metcalf, $1.25 million

I don’t care what anyone else has to say about it and nobody says much about it, but NFL contracts do not stand the test of logic. I can’t imagine the pressure that young football stars must be under to simply wait out the clock until they’re eligible to secure the money they’ve deserved.