According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, the Seahawks released defensive end Chris Clemons Wednesday, a move that will save the club $7.5 million in cap room. Clemons recorded 39 sacks during his three years (2010-13) with Seattle but only six last year as a 32-year-old. The release of Clemons, acquired by the Seahawks in a 2010 trade with Philadelphia, had been anticipated.
Jared Allen is reportedly a free-agent target of the Seahawks, who could serve as a replacement for Clemons. Prior to last year’s free-agent deadline, Seattle tried to trade for the 31-year-old former Minnesota Viking, who had 11.5 sacks in 2013.
Also Wednesday, Chris Maragos, who spent three years (2011-13) with the Seahawks as a backup safety/special teams leader, agreed to a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. The $4 million deal includes $1 million guaranteed.
“Chris Maragos is one of the best special teams players I have ever seen. Sucks to lose him. Good luck in Philly buddy,” Seahawks punter Jon Ryan tweeted.
“So excited to be part of the Eagles and can’t wait to get to work. Couldn’t be any more grateful for my time in Seattle,” Maragos tweeted.
Two other unrestricted free agents, tackle Breno Giacomini and wide receiver Golden Tate, were scheduled to meet with prospective employers Wednesday; Giacomini with the New York Jets, Tate the Detroit Lions.
The Seahawks are preparing to host visits by former Green Bay TE Jermichael Finley and ex-Dallas defensive lineman Jason Hatcher.
Seahawks Transactions
| Date | Player | Action | Skinny |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/28 | WR Sidney Rice | Cut | Saved $7.3 million in cap space |
| 2/28 | DE Red Bryant | Cut | 4-year deal with Jags |
| 3/7 | OL L. Jeanpierre | Re-signed | Played in 16 games, 3 starts |
| 3/7 | S Jeron Johnson | Re-signed | Backup joined as undrafted FA in 2011 |
| 3/9 | DE Michael Bennett | Re-signed | 4 years, $28.5 million, $16M guaranteed |
| 3/11 | TE Anthony McCoy | Re-signed | Didn’t play in ’13 (Achilles injury) |
| 3/11 | DT C. McDonald | Signed-TB | 4 years, $12 million |
| 3/11 | LB O. Schofield | Signed-NYG | 2 years, $8 million |
| 3/12 | DE Chris Clemons | Cut | Saved $7.5 million in cap space |
| 3/12 | S Chris Maragos | Signed-PHI | 3-year deal, $1M guaranteed |
| 3/12 | WR Golden Tate | Signed-Det | 5-year deal for $31 million |
Notable Remaining Free Agents
| Player | Pos. | Age | Skinny |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Baldwin | WR | 26 | 50 receptions, 778 yards, 5 TDs in 2013 |
| Breno Giacomini | OT | 29 | Missed 7 games due to knee injury |
| Steven Hauschka | K | 29 | 143 pts led NFC in scoring (4th NFL) |
| Tarvaris Jackson | QB | 31 | Played in 3 games, including Super Bowl |
| Tony McDaniel | DT | 29 | 52 tackles, 2 sacks in 15 starts |
| Paul McQuistan | OG | 31 | 16 games, 14 starts |
| Walter Thurmond | CB | 27 | Missed 4 games to drug suspension |
1 Comment
Not surprising the Hawks are losing players. When you’re the best in the league teams will try and get what they can from you. And eventually the contratcs of Richard Sherman, Russell Wilson and Earl Thomas will have to be addressed so it could be said the team is preparing for that eventuality. I don’t see those three being let go.