Seattle Seahawks: 5 Players who likely won’t return in 2020

Returning Players, Part 1

With the official list out of the way, I do want to cover several prominent Seahawks free agents who have a high chance of remaining on the roster next season. These players are either affordable enough that Seattle can resign them, or they are simply too important to let walk away.

The Seahawks made a splash move when they acquired Jadeveon Clowney from the Houston Texans before the season. The former Pro Bowler only cost Seattle Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo and a 2020 third-round draft pick. The cheap trade worked out in Seattle’s favor, but the team promised not to franchise tag Clowney this offseason, making him a high-profile free agent.

Despite posting his lowest sack total since his rookie season and his worst overall numbers since 2016, Clowney plans to profit off of his availability. Last offseason, DeMarcus Lawrence signed a five-year deal worth $105 million. That equals an average salary of $21 million per year. Frank Clark also signed a five-year deal that pays out $20.8 million per year. Even Trey Flowers signed a five-year deal worth $18 million annually.

The Seahawks did not trade for Clowney just to let him walk away. However, by playing him at defensive end in their 4-3 system, the Seahawks entitled Clowney to the same money as the three players listed above.

Clowney’s cap hit is currently only eight million dollars, but he’ll want at least $20 million per year from his new deal. With Bobby Wagner and Wilson both on record deals, fitting Clowney under the cap creates problems, but the Seahawks will figure it out.