3 Contracts the Seahawks Need to Restructure to Create Cap Space

Almost a quarter of the Seattle Seahawks' cap is taken up by quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner, both of whom are among the few truly elite players at their position in the NFL.

However, that doesn't erase the fact the Seahawks only have around $14 million in cap space, which could prevent them from adding that one game-changer to help vault them into Super Bowl contention. These three players all have somewhat expensive contracts that the Seahawks should try to restructure and save money against the cap.

3. S Bradley McDougald

McDougald might be the starting safety next to Quandre Diggs, but the presence of young defensive backs like Marquise Blair, Lano Hill and Ugo Amadi should make him a bit worried about where he stands on the depth chart. McDougald is owed around $5.4 million this year, most of which is base salary that GM John Schneider should look to defer or convert into a signing bonus.

2. C Justin Britt

Britt's value to the team was demonstrated when backup center Joey Hunt was getting absolutely manhandled after Britt was lost for the season with an injury. Having said that, Britt is due to be paid a cool $8.5 million this year, with additional bonuses pushing him into the $11 million range. Schneider has to find a way to minimize that hit, as Britt's contract could prevent Seattle from adding that star pass rusher who takes them over the top.

1. LT Duane Brown

Brown is the best offensive lineman that Russell Wilson has played with ever since the Jimmy Graham trade sent Max Unger to New Orleans. However, Brown is starting to get a little long in the tooth while still earning a nice eight-figure salary. His $12.5 million cap hit this year is more than any other Seahawks player that isn't Wilson or Wagner. That number will raise to $13 million in 2021, when Brown will turn 36 years old.