As the Seattle Seahawks look to strengthen their roster for future success, tough decisions loom regarding the team’s highest-paid players. Balancing salary cap constraints while maintaining a competitive edge often necessitates reevaluating high-cost contracts. Reports suggest the Seahawks could make significant changes involving five of their most expensive players. Here’s a closer look at who these players are, why their contracts are under scrutiny, and what the potential moves could mean for the team.
1. Jamal Adams (Safety)
Jamal Adams remains one of the most polarizing players on the Seahawks roster. After being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets, Adams signed a four-year, $70 million contract extension in 2021, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at the time.
While Adams has shown flashes of brilliance, injuries have plagued his tenure in Seattle, limiting his ability to consistently impact games. With a cap hit of over $23 million in 2025, the Seahawks may consider restructuring his contract or even moving on from the former All-Pro if they believe his production no longer justifies the cost.
2. Tyler Lockett (Wide Receiver)
Tyler Lockett has been a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ offense for years, providing reliability and clutch performances. However, Lockett’s contract—valued at $69 million over four years—carries a cap hit of nearly $24 million in 2025.
At 32 years old, Lockett’s speed and quickness remain valuable assets, but the Seahawks have invested heavily in younger receivers, including D.K. Metcalf and first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The team could look to restructure Lockett’s deal to free up cap space or explore a trade to gain assets for the future.
3. Quandre Diggs (Safety)
Quandre Diggs is another defensive leader whose contract could come under scrutiny. After signing a three-year, $39 million extension in 2022, Diggs has continued to perform at a high level, recording key interceptions and providing stability in the secondary.
However, his cap hit of $18 million for 2025 makes him one of the highest-paid safeties in the league. With younger, cheaper options emerging in the secondary, the Seahawks may evaluate whether Diggs’ leadership and playmaking abilities are worth the premium price tag.
4. Geno Smith (Quarterback)
Geno Smith’s journey from backup to Pro Bowl starter has been one of the NFL’s best comeback stories. After earning a three-year, $105 million contract extension in 2023, Smith proved his value with a strong season. However, his cap hit of $33 million in 2025 is substantial, especially if the Seahawks draft a young quarterback to groom as his eventual replacement.
Seattle may consider restructuring Smith’s deal to create financial flexibility or even explore trade options if they believe a younger option is ready to step up.
5. D.K. Metcalf (Wide Receiver)
D.K. Metcalf is one of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL and a centerpiece of the Seahawks’ offense. However, his four-year, $72 million contract extension signed in 2022 carries a hefty cap hit of $24 million in 2025.
While Metcalf’s physical tools and production make him indispensable, the Seahawks may still evaluate his contract as part of a broader effort to manage their salary cap. A restructuring or extension could help lower his cap hit while ensuring he remains in Seattle for the long term.
The Seahawks face several options as they navigate the contracts of their highest-paid players:
1. Restructuring Deals:Restructuring contracts can lower cap hits in the short term by converting base salaries into signing bonuses, but it pushes costs into future years.
2. Releasing Players:Cutting players can provide immediate cap relief, though it often comes with dead money penalties.
3. Trading Assets: Moving high-cost players to other teams can free up cap space and bring in draft picks or younger talent.
4. Commitment to Core Players:For some players, the Seahawks may opt to keep them despite high costs, betting on their leadership and production to justify the price.
Any moves involving these five players would significantly impact the Seahawks’ identity and roster. While cutting costs is necessary, losing key contributors could disrupt team chemistry and performance. Conversely, smart financial decisions could provide the Seahawks with the resources to build a deeper, more balanced roster capable of sustained success.
As the Seahawks approach the offseason, all eyes will be on how they handle these high-profile contracts. The team’s ability to strike a balance between financial discipline and competitive aspirations will shape their future—and potentially bring them closer to another Super Bowl run.