The Seattle Seahawks just released defensive tackle Tony McDaniel. According to Adam Schefter (ESPN NFL Insider), the decision to release the starting defensive tackle was solely based on financial reasons. The reigning NFC champions recently signed quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner to long-term extensions, and the Seahawks needed to clear salary-cap space. McDaniel will become a free agent next year, and he was going to earn $2.5 million (not including incentives) this season. Russell Wilson’s new deal was for four years and $87.6 million- $31 million is guaranteed. Bobby Wagner’s deal is also four years worth $43 million, making him the highest paid middle linebacker in the NFL.
The Seahawks made it to the Super Bowl game the past two seasons, and won Super Bowl XLVIII. The champions are expected to make another run to the Super Bowl, but they must reach an agreement with Kam Chancellor first. The strong safety is in a contract dispute with the Seahawks and he has yet to report to training camp. Chancellor is one of the best safeties in the NFL, and the team will need him in order to compete in the NFC West. Chancellor’s teammate Richard Sherman has spoken out in support of Chancellor’s holdout. “He is taking a stand and I support him. Whenever you take a stand like this, you don’t get a lot of support from the fans because of how the fans feel about honoring contracts,” Sherman told reporters. He added,”We understand this business.” The NFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. Besides the Seahawks, the teams in the division include the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and the St. Louis Rams.
The Seahawks lost Super Bowl XLIX to the New England Patriots last season. The game ended with a very controversial call when Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll decided to call a pass play instead of running the ball in the end zone. The Patriots’ Malcolm Butler intercepted quarterback Russell Wilson’s pass, and the Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl 28-24. Many people were disappointed Coach Carroll opted not to give the ball to Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. Lynch’s career numbers include 8,695 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns.