The NFL’s free agency legal tampering period began on Monday as teams around the league look to improve their roster. The Seahawks first order of business was cutting DL Shelby Harris, who was acquired in the Russell Wilson trade last offseason.
The #Seahawks plan to release DL Shelby Harris, source says. Seattle has explored possible trades but hasn't found a taker yet for the nine-year veteran who played well last season. Harris, who was part of the Russell Wilson deal, was set to make $9 million this upcoming season.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023
The Hawks used some of the cap space saved from cutting Harris and made a splash, signing his former Broncos teammate Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year deal.
Full terms for the #Seahawks and DT Dre'Mont Jones:
— 3 years, $51.53M
— $23.5M in Year 1
— $35.02M over two years.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023
Jones had 24 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2022. He’s had 5+ sacks in each of the last three seasons, which will certainly help the Hawks get more pressure from the inside.
The Hawks made another move along the defensive line, cutting DL Quinton Jefferson.
Seahawks are releasing DT Quinton Jefferson, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2023
Jefferson had 5.5 sacks and 17 tackles for the Hawks last season.
In other free agency news, linebacker Cody Barton is leaving the Seahawks on a one-year deal with the Commanders. Barton was second on the Seahawks in tackles last season.