Seahawks Salary Cap Update, part I: K.J. Wright and Cliff Avril deal structures

The Seahawks had a good weekend. They showed up and showed out in front the nation and became the Super Bowl favorites along with New England after their 35-6 performance in Glendale. Before the game, they inked two large extensions, which truly will set the course for their offseason in 2015.

Both KJ Wright and Cliff Avril were signed in the 2014 League Year, which allowed the Seahawks to Pro-Rate their signing bonus over five years, even though they took four-year extensions.

THE DEALS:

KJ Wright, per Joel Corry, got a deal structured like this:

$5M signing bonus, 2015 $3.75M base, 2016 $5.25M base, 2017 $5.8M base, 2018 $7.2M base

Wright's Cap Hits are as follows:

2014- $1M additional new hit from deal
2015- $4.75M
2016- $6.25M
2017- $6.8M
2018- $8.2M

Wright's $16M in guarantees dictate that part of his 2017 base is guaranteed. 2018 is probably a stretch at $8.2M in cap, but that's a long time from now.

Cliff Avril, per Joel Corry, received a deal structured like this:

$2.5M signing bonus, 2015 $7.5M base, 2016 $6M base, 2017, $4.5M base, 2018 $7M base

Avril also has $500k in per game roster bonuses in 2017 and 2018 (and no guaranteed money in 2017 and 2018).

Avril's Cap Hits are as follows:

2014- $500k additional new hit from deal
2015- $8.0M
2016- $6.5M
2017- $5.5M (if healthy and plays every game)
2018- $8.0M (if healthy and plays every game)

ANALYSIS:

I think both these players have a shot to be around in 2017. Wright has guarantees in 2017 and Avril has a fairly modest cap number for a pass rusher in 2017 ($5.5M). I believe Seattle structured the deal with Avril (front-loaded it) partially to give 2017 a mutual chance. Pass rushers can be effective in their 30's, as we have witnessed around the NFL over the last few years. A 31 year old Cliff Avril in 2017 may not be in much worse shape than a 28 year old KJ Wright in 2017.

In Part 2 I will break down the Seahawks' Defense Salary Cap in 2015.