We already know that the Seattle Seahawks are likely looking to move on from multiple veteran defensive players. All-Pro corner Richard Sherman and Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett have already been placed on the trade block. Both Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril may be forced to retire after suffering neck injuries last season. Meanwhile, Earl Thomas has noted he’d like to play for the Dallas Cowboys and might hold out for a new contract.
It’s in this that there has been speculation that Seattle might look to place the franchise tag on defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson. He’ still just 27 years old and could by a lynchpin for the youthful defensive rebuild in the Pacific Northwest.
Unfortunately for Seahawks fans, it looks like the team is not going to place the tag on Richardson.
Schneider says Seahawks don't plan to tag Sheldon Richardson "at this point."
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) March 2, 2018
Seattle acquired Richardson from the New York Jets prior to the 2017 season, giving up Jermaine Kearse and a second-round pick in the process. He responded by playing the role of the team’s best run-stuffing defensive lineman.
With Seattle just $14 million under the cap, it’s highly unlikely the team will be able to make a competitive offer to Richardson in free agency. Then again, moving on from the plethora of stars we mentioned above could help the team retain Richardson. It’s something to watch as free agency gets going around the NFL later this month.