Report: Seahawks Restructure WR Dee Eskridge's Contract
Closing in on the start of a new league year, the Seattle Seahawks appear to have made another minor move to create a bit more financial flexibility before free agency begins on March 13.
According to Aaron Wilson of KRPC2 Houston, Seattle and fourth-year receiver Dee Eskridge agreed to restructure the final year of his contract, lowering his base salary from $1.471 million to $1.055 million. With the move, the team now has more than $42 million in cap space available, per OverTheCap.com.
Saddled by injuries and a suspension, Dee Eskridge didn't make a single catch in four games in 2023 and has yet to eclipse 20 receptions in his career.
Since being selected out of Western Michigan in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Eskridge has been dogged by injuries and hasn't contributed much even when healthy, limited to 17 receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown in three seasons with the Seahawks. After being sidelined for 14 combined games in his first two seasons, he only dressed for four games last year, ending the season on injured reserve after missing the first six games with a suspension.
Before his latest rib injury landed him on injured reserve in December, Eskridge only received one target in the passing game while rushing twice for five yards. He did provide a spark on special teams as a kick returner and averaged 28 yards per return, including an explosive 66-yard return in a home loss to the 49ers.
Looking towards his final season under contract, Eskridge will have his hands full trying to carve out a role in a crowded Seahawks receiving corps featuring DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Additionally, the team will have Jake Bobo and Dareke Young returning as key depth pieces, leaving few opportunities for the speedy wideout to impress on offense.
To ensure a spot on the team, with running back DeeJay Dallas slated for free agency and his future in Seattle up in the air, Eskridge will need to stay healthy and continue to show out on special teams. With new rules expected to be put in place to increase the number of return opportunities, his sub-4.4 speed could still allow him to prove worthy of keeping around if he can make an impact in that role.
Either way, the decision to rework Eskridge's contract creates an easier out for Seattle if Eskridge doesn't make the team out of training camp and the preseason in August. Cutting him would open up $1.025 million in cap room after the restructure already generated close to $0.5 million in space, while his cap hit would be a bit smaller if he does manage to stick on the roster.
