Seahawks Release Four Players, Save $27 Million in Cap Space

SEATTLE, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks announced the release of four players on Tuesday, including outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones, defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris, safety Rayshawn Jenkins, and offensive tackle George Fant. These moves are expected to save the team approximately $27 million in salary cap space as they prepare for the impending free agency.

The most significant cut is Jones, who was signed in March 2023 for a historic three-year, $51.53 million contract. Despite not missing a game, Jones only tallied 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in two seasons, failing to meet the heightened expectations. In 2023, Jones transitioned to a lighter outside linebacker role in defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s scheme, managing 4.0 sacks while dealing with a shoulder injury.

“We thought we could unlock his potential,” a source close to the team said. “But the injury really hampered his performance as the season progressed.”

Jones was set to earn $16.51 million in 2025, but his release will save the Seahawks $11.57 million against the cap, incurring a dead cap charge of $14.1 million.

Robertson-Harris, acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in a trade last October, also did not make an impact, finishing the season with zero sacks and one tackle for loss over 11 games. His release frees up an additional $6.6 million in cap space, with no dead money left to account for.

Jenkins, who joined the Seahawks on a two-year, $12 million deal, struggled with injuries and was replaced in the lineup after missing four games. At 31, his release will save Seattle $5.28 million while leaving a dead cap of $2.5 million.

Fant, signed last March as a contingency at right tackle, only played 30 snaps this past season due to recurring injuries. His release adds another $3.8 million in savings against the cap, but the Seahawks will carry $1.85 million in dead money due to his contract.

Before these moves, the Seahawks were projected to be around $6.8 million over the spending limit for 2025, according to OverTheCap. With free agency fast approaching, further roster adjustments are anticipated.

Additionally, reports suggest the team is still considering a potential release of wide receiver Tyler Lockett unless a contract restructure can be negotiated quickly.

General Manager John Schneider indicated the Seahawks are also exploring a new deal for quarterback Geno Smith, potentially lowering his substantial cap hit of $44.5 million, which could facilitate more moves as the offseason progresses.

The Seahawks’ upcoming decisions will not only impact their financial flexibility but could alter their competitive outlook for the 2025 season.