It doesn’t look like the Seahawks will be using their franchise tag this year.
A report last week indicated that the team will not use the tag on defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, who the team acquired in a trade with the Jets last year. On Friday, Seahawks General Manager John Schneider confirmed that a tag is unlikely.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports Schneider did add “at this point” to leave the door somewhat open for a tag. The window to use the tag is closing soon, however, and the Seahawks likely have a pretty good idea if they want to set themselves up to pay Richardson around $14 million for the 2018 season.
Richardson could still re-sign with the Seahawks after starting 15 games in his first season in Seattle. That could be more likely if the Seahawks find a taker for Michael Bennett in a trade as Cliff Avril’s uncertain health leaves them with more question marks up front on defense.