SEATTLE — Just days before the start of the NFL's new year, the Seahawks cleared salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of two receivers, Tyler Lockett and Dee Eskridge.
Tyler Lockett has two seasons left on his current deal, but the payout has been reduced. According to the NFL Network, Lockett will receive $30 million for the next two years with the potential to make $34 million.
He's guaranteed to make $13 million for the 2024 season. The guaranteed money should ensure that Lockett will be on the roster for at least the upcoming season.
Lockett's previous contract was not guaranteed. He was in line to make $15.3 million per season in base salary. His cap hit would have been $26.895 million this year. The NFL Network's report did not say how much cap hit relief it would provide, but more of the cap dollars would be pushed to the 2025 season.
Lockett will turn 32 in September. In his nine seasons in Seattle, he's accumulated 612 receptions, 7,994 yards, and 59 touchdowns.
Dee Eskridge will also have a chance to stick with the Seahawks. The 2021 second-round pick's final year on his deal will be worth $1.055 million. He was due to make $1.47 million. If he fails to make the team, Seattle will only carry $422,457 in dead cap space.
In three seasons with the Hawks, Eskridge has only played 24 games, mainly due to injuries.
The NFL's new league year begins Wednesday at 1 p.m., Pacific Time. That's when teams have to be under the salary cap. The cap has been set at $255.4 million. Teams can also officially sign free agents and make trades.