After doling out a total of $130 million to Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, the Seattle Seahawks had to cut costs somewhere. The first step in that process came in the release of defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, who was set to earn $3.6 million in 2015.
The 30-year-old McDaniel had started 29 of a possible 32 games with Seattle after the team signed him away from the Miami Dolphins prior to the 2013 season. And while he recorded less than 100 tackles and just two sacks during that span, McDaniel was an important cog on the Seahawks' defense.
With McDaniel free to sign wherever he wants, a whole host of young defensive tackles will have an opportunity to step up for Seattle during camp and the preseason. The name to watch here is third-year Penn State product Jordan Hill, who boasts a ton of upside from the interior of the line. In reality, he might present more of a pass-rush threat than McDaniel, who played an average of 26 snaps per game last season. Though, there is unlikely going to be anyone emerge as a three-down player with McDaniel gone. Hill will likely share time with veterans Ahtyba Rubin and D'Anthony Smith next to Brandon Mebane.