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Silvi: Seahawks roster shakeup emphasizes signing, protecting Russell Wilson

Through trades and free agency, the Seahawks have dumped a lot of salary. But they've also dumped a lot of talent that will take time to rebuild.
Credit: Kirby Lee
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey (97) during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The latest Seahawk to leave Seattle is tight end Luke Willson, who signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions Wednesday.

Willson joins tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Paul Richardson as some of the bigger offensive stars to leave the team. With running backs Thomas Rawls, Mike Davis and Eddie Lacy out, the Hawks are in search of running backs.

They like Chris Carson, who was a pleasant surprise as a 7th round draft pick last year and they still have C.J. Prosise and J.D. McKissic. Fortunately, next month's draft is deep in running back talent, so a quality back should be available for the 'Hawks.

The overall theme since the season ended, has been the Seahawks' salary dump. They cut a lot of salaries on the defensive side of the ball, which helps to free up some money to sign quality, less expensive players.

Their biggest target down the road is quarterback Russell Wilson. He has two years left on his contract, but the team will likely start talking new contract at the end of next season, maybe even sooner. Wilson's new deal will pay him an average of $30 million per season.

The 'Hawks clearly want to build their future around Wilson, so while they're freeing up money for their quarterback, they're also freeing up money for his protectors up front. Left tackle Duane Brown is entering the final year of his contract. He could be looking at a big contract if he has a strong year.

Then there's defensive end Frank Clark. He's earned every penny of a new contract that will surely be coming his way.

Bottom line: the 'Hawks got old, broken, and overpaid almost overnight. They should have gotten younger and cheaper a couple of years ago. Instead, they were forced to do it in a matter of months, and they will likely pay the price in the upcoming season.

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