The focus for the Seattle Seahawks remains on winning the Super Bowl, but the front office is headed for some challenging decisions in the coming months. A Super Bowl win means the price could go up on several key free agents, especially if a player has a strong performance against the New England Patriots with the world watching.
Additionally, there are a few veterans on the roster who are in danger of being potential cap casualties. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine outlined each NFL teams’ veterans who are in danger, including three notable Seahawks players.
At the top of the list is star receiver Cooper Kupp. It is understandable speculation given Kupp’s stats compared to his sizable three-year, $45 million contract.
“The Seahawks are in a great financial spot,” Ballentine wrote in a January 29, 2026, story titled, “Every Team’s Most Likely Cap Casualties Ahead of 2026 NFL Offseason.” “Not only are they the potential Super Bowl champions, but they have enough money that they don’t actually have to have cap casualties. But it needs to be recognized that Cooper Kupp is probably a luxury at this point.
“His production took a significant hit in his age-32 season. That’s a trend that isn’t likely to turn around next year. He’s set to cost the Seahawks $17.5 million next season and there’s a significant chunk of it that could be cleared.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Seahawks rumors.
Seahawks Star Cooper Kupp’s 3-Year, $45 Million Contract Makes the Vet a Potential Cap Casualty
Kupp is slated to be in Seattle through the 2027 season with $17.5 million and $18 million cap hits the next two seasons, per Spotrac. The wideout posted 47 receptions for 593 yards and two touchdowns in 16 appearances during the 2025 regular season.
These are not exactly the kind of numbers that tend to warrant $17 million annually. Kupp has been willing to sacrifice stats with the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Not only has Smith-Njigba become the Seahawks top receiver, but the playmaker is now one of the best wideouts in the entire NFL.
The Seahawks Have an Out in Cooper Kupp’s Deal This Offseason, Allowing Seattle To Cut Ties With WR in a Cost Savings Move
Part of the reason for the speculation about Kupp is that Seattle has an out in his deal this offseason. The Seahawks can release Kupp and take an $8 million dead cap hit rather than be on the hook for the receiver’s final two seasons.
Another option is for Kupp and the Seahawks to come to a new agreement on a revised contract. It feels unlikely that Kupp would find a similar deal on the open market.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Cooper Kupp: ‘Coop Instantly Elevates the Entire Room’
Kupp has proven his value during Seattle’s NFL playoff run. Often during Smith Njigba’s highlight plays, Kupp can be seen blocking for the star receiver.
“Coop instantly elevates the entire room,” Smith-Njigba said of Kupp during a November 23, 2025, interview with DAZN’s Romain Champagne. “I grew up watching him, so working with him every day has been huge for me.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is how intentional he is. Every step, every release, every route has a purpose. He’s helped me slow the game down and be more precise in how I attack coverages.”
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