Source: Seahawks Cut Lineman Gabe Jackson, LB Ben Burr-Kirven
In an effort to create additional cap space before the start of free agency next week, the Seattle Seahawks are expected to release veteran guard Gabe Jackson and linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven, a source tells AllSeahawks, with the moves making them unrestricted free agents free to sign with any team.
Following the decision to re-sign guard Phil Haynes to a one-year deal last month, Jackson's future in Seattle has been in question most of the offseason. Set to earn north of $11 million in the final year of his contract, cutting the 31-year old instantly opens up $6.5 million in cap relief for the team to use elsewhere to improve the roster.
Acquired from the Raiders for a fifth-round pick two years ago, the Seahawks expected Jackson's arrival to bolster the interior offensive line in front of then-quarterback Russell Wilson. His arrival pushed Damien Lewis, who earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors at right guard as a rookie in 2020, over to the left side taking over for a retiring Mike Iupati.
However, while Jackson played well at times, he dealt with persistent knee issues throughout his two-year tenure and never met expectations. Along with often receiving veteran rest days during the practice week, the team employed a rare platoon with Haynes for most of last season to keep him fresh.
When Jackson did play a year ago, he endured rough stretches in pass protection, allowing 34 pressures on only 433 pass blocking snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, his 95.6 percent pass protection efficiency rating ranked as the fourth-worst mark among qualified guards in 2022.
Considering his hefty cap hit, diminishing performance, and troublesome knee, Jackson's release seemed inevitable and the Seahawks opted to move on as expected. Due to his extensive starting experience, he should receive some interest on the open market from other teams if he wishes to continue playing.
As for Burr-Kirven, the former Washington standout has not played a snap in two years since suffering a torn ACL during the preseason in August 2021. Undergoing multiple procedures since the initial injury, he hasn't been able to get healthy enough to return to the field and his release suggests his football career may be over.
By releasing Burr-Kirven, who had a year toll on his contract after not playing at all in 2022, the Seahawks will save $940,000 against the cap.
Drafted in the fifth round in 2019, the 25-year old Burr-Kirven played in 32 games with the Seahawks, registering 16 tackles and a tackle for loss. He primarily played special teams, seeing extensive action on kick and punt coverage, while logging 14 defensive snaps in a reserve role.
With the new NFL league year kicking off on March 15, Seattle now has a little extra financial flexibility to work with in free agency. As they aim to build around recently re-signed quarterback Geno Smith, it's possible guard and linebacker could be positions of interest to help replace Jackson and Burr-Kirven once teams begin negotiating with players next week.
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