Seahawks to Release Veteran DT Shelby Harris - Report

Despite playing well last season and making his first playoff appearance, the Seattle Seahawks have tried to trade Shelby Harris and now will likely have to resort to releasing him outright to create financial flexibility before free agency.

In an expected cost-cutting move before the start of free agency on Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks are expected to part ways with veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Seattle has been attempting to trade Harris, but a deal never came to fruition with another team being willing to take on his salary in exchange for a draft pick. With those efforts not bearing fruit, releasing him will create nearly $9 million in instant cap relief to utilize re-signing players or adding outside free agents to the roster.

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

Acquired as part of the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade with the Broncos last season, Harris enjoyed a strong lone season with the Seahawks and stood out as an excellent scheme fit in coordinator Clint Hurtt's hybrid 3-4 defense. Starting 16 regular season games and playing in his first postseason game as a pro, he posted 30 quarterback pressures and four pass deflections, flashing as an interior pass rusher while also performing as a rare bright spot defending the run.

In addition to his on-field production, Harris' infectious energy and passion for the game rubbed off on teammates and his presence helped offset the departures of Wilson and Bobby Wagner in the locker room. Young players gravitated to him and such contributions cannot be understated.

However, with Harris set to turn 32 in August, Seattle clearly didn't want to retain him with a salary cap hit north of $12 million in 2023. It remains unknown whether or not the team attempted to negotiate an extension with him before deciding to shop him as a trade chip, but after the player hinted at his departure on social media last week, it seems unlikely he will be coming back next season.

Assuming Harris doesn't re-sign on a new contract after testing the market, the Seahawks currently have veterans Quinton Jefferson, Al Woods, and Bryan Mone under contract at the defensive tackle position. Long-time starter Poona Ford will become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday and it's unclear whether or not he will be brought back, while Myles Adams is an exclusive rights free agent that will likely receive a qualifying offer.

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