SEATTLE, WA -- The Seattle Seahawks made their first move to save budget from the Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner extensions Sunday, cutting veteran defensive tackle Tony McDaniel.
McDaniel spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons in Seattle, appearing in all 32 regular season games for coach Pete Carroll and the 'Hawks. The 30 year-old Tennessee alum had a decrease in production over the 2014 season compared to his campaign the prior year. McDaniel also appeared in all of the playoff contests over the last two Super Bowl runs for Seattle.
A stat line of just 31 tackles befell McDaniel in 2014 after a stellar 2013 in which he recorded a career-high of 53 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and one fumble recovery. In six career playoff games, he has recorded 14 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Standing 6'7" at a weight of around 305 pounds, McDaniel entered the NFL in 2006 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, with whom he spent three seasons. In 2009, he signed with the Miami Dolphins, spending four years there but playing his only full 16-game season outside of Seattle over his first campaign with the Dolphins.
The Seahawks signed McDaniel to a two-year deal worth a max value of $6.3 million after his solid first season in the Emerald City. He was set to bring on a cap hit worth $3.625 million this upcoming season, and after Seattle splurged to ink Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner to contract extensions, they need to preserve all the budget they have left. Cutting veterans making a sturdy paycheck is a good way to ensure financial security for the organization.
Seattle still has to work on contract negotiations with second-team All-Pro safety Kam Chancellor, who is currently holding out of training camp, and defensive end Michael Bennett, who has clearly stated his desires for a higher salary.
Both Chancellor and Bennett have deals of their own through at least 2017, so they aren't at risk of loss to free agency for the Seahawks any time soon. They will need to be paid sometime soon in order to maintain a positive environment throughout the team's facilities and activities.
If Tony McDaniel is not picked up by another NFL team this offseason, Seattle could potentially sign him to a smaller agreement midseason if needed. He is a great veteran presence to have on a roster but there is no room for him on the depth chart or budget to start 2015.