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The NFL's salary cap it going to get another big bump this offseason, according to NFL Network's Rand Getlin. Per Getlin, next year's salary cap number should reach at least $155 million, an increase of almost $12 million over last year ($143.28 million).
This could be great news for the Seahawks, who have a large number of free agents that they'd like to keep in Seattle. Left tackle Russell Okung is bound to get a big payday, as are linebacker Bruce Irvin, cornerback Jeremy Lane, and potentially wide receiver Jermaine Kearse. Defensive tackles Brandon Mebane and Ahtyba Rubin are key players to watch in free agency as well, as is punter Jon Ryan. Backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson reportedly wants to test the free agency waters, and there are several other key role-player types that the Seahawks would likely want to keep around if the price is right.
The potential for an extra $12 million obviously helps the NFL's other teams as well, but it would give Seattle some extra breathing room to keep guys that want to stay.