Photo Courtesy: Patriots.com
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider is among the best in the business. Working with head coach Pete Carroll, the two have built a team that’s on the brink of a dynasty.
This doesn’t mean that Schneider’s job is easy by any stretch of the imagination. That promises to come to the forefront as the team negotiates what will be huge contract for star quarterback Russell Wilson, who is attempting to win his second Super Bowl in three seasons this upcoming Sunday.
Schneider indicated as much in a recent interview on ESPN Radio (h/t MyNorthwest.com).
“It presents challenges, there is no question.” Schneider said on Tuesday. “We might not be able to dip into free agency like you may want to here and there or compensate somebody else that you want to compensate that is already on your team.”
Seattle is prepared to enter the offseason with more than $25 million in cap room, but that represents nothing more than a facade when it comes to the team’s overall situation.
Wilson, who has one year remaining on his rookie deal, is set to sign an extension that will potentially make him the highest-paid player in the NFL. Marshawn Lynch will be in yet another contract dispute and will be looking for a bigger payday. Meanwhile, James Carpenter and Byron Maxwell are both set to become free agents.
Because Seattle has done a tremendous job building through the draft and finding undrafted free agents to contribute, the team should still be in a good situation moving forward. However, we can expect the gap to narrow between this squad and other top contenders in the NFC.
As has been the case in the past, how Seattle performs in the draft will have a direct correlation to its on-field performance. This is only magnified by the fact that the NFC champions likely won’t be able to dip into free agency, as Schneider stated.