• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The Seahawks’ Cap-Clearing Moves Set Off Sudden Rebuild

  • First, Seattle traded QB Russell Wilson and then released defensive captain Bobby Wagner.
  • The Seahawks have eight 2022 draft picks and the second-most money to spend under the NFL’s salary cap.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

The Seahawks are moving on from the Russell Wilson era, dismantling a roster that made them a force in the NFC West for the better part of a decade.

After dealing the franchise quarterback to the Broncos on Tuesday, Seattle turned its attention to the other side of the ball, informing eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker and defensive captain Bobby Wagner that he will be released, per ESPN.

It’s a sudden, full-blown rebuild for a team that made the postseason in eight of Wilson’s 10 years, which included a Super Bowl title in 2013.

  • Seattle cleared around $600,000 in cap space with the Wilson trade, and $16.6M with Wagner’s release.
  • The Seahawks currently have $51.4M in cap space, second-most behind the Chargers ($57.5M).
  • They have eight picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, including No. 9 overall (from the Broncos) and two second-rounders (Nos. 40 and 41).

General manager John Schneider may not be done with the teardown, with receiver Tyler Lockett ($10M cap hit) reportedly available for a trade. 

Understandably, without Wilson, oddsmakers dropped Seattle to the fifth-worst odds (+10,000*) to win the Super Bowl.

Pete Carroll — whose contract runs through 2025 — faces the decision of drafting the next franchise QB or relying on Drew Lock and Jacob Eason.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bills Owner Defends McDermott Firing, Raises More Questions

The owner decided to fire the coach after last weekend’s playoff loss.
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian reaches in on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks who has the ball and whose knee is on the ground during overtime at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.
opinion

NFL Should Make Refs Full-Time Employees

The league’s CBA with the NFL Referees Association expires in May.
Netflix

Netflix Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, With Boost From NFL Games

Record-setting NFL games were a highlight during the quarter.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.

Savannah Bananas First Report Reveals Growth, $100K Player Pay

The highly popular barnstorming team released its first annual update.
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High
January 19, 2026

Bills’ Sean McDermott Firing Marks Staggering 10 NFL Coaches Out

Black Monday has come two weeks late for the Bills.
Jimmy Butler
January 20, 2026

‘Fading Dynasty’ Warriors at Crossroads After Butler Tears ACL

Butler is out for the season and owed $57 million next year.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium.
January 18, 2026

NFL Conference Championships Have 3 Unproven QBs

The six highest-paid postseason quarterbacks have been eliminated.
January 17, 2026

Giants Get Their Coach: Land John Harbaugh With 5-Year, $100M Deal

The struggling team lands the most-coveted figure on the coaching market.
Sep 5, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Wrigley Field.
January 16, 2026

The Gap Between the Dodgers and Rest of Baseball Keeps Growing

Kyle Tucker’s four-year, $240 million deal has potentially major labor implications.
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) gestures as he is carted off the field after an injury during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field.
January 15, 2026

‘No Firmly Established Evidence’ for Viral 49ers Injury Theory

The 49ers have been practicing next to the substation for decades.