3 surprise cuts the Seahawks can make this offseason

2. Chris Carson, RB

Chris Carson had been a mainstay in Seattle’s offense since his arrival as a seventh-round draft pick out of Oklahoma State in 2017. In Carson’s second season, he ran for over 1,000 yards. He did the same in 2019, but then injuries began occurring frequently.

In Week 16 of the 2019 campaign, Carson suffered a fractured hip that knocked him out for the remainder of the season. He returned in time for the 2020 season, but he missed some time due to a mid-foot sprain.

Last offseason, the Seahawks and Carson agreed to terms on a two-year, $10.4 million contract. Carson played just four games this past year as he suffered a neck injury that forced him to miss the rest of the season.

In Carson’s absence, Rashaad Penny and Alex Collins split starter’s snaps, with Penny being the more effective. Penny picked up 749 yards and six touchdowns on 119 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

Penny is set to be a free agent after the organization declined his fifth-year option. Based off the fact that he put up solid numbers in 2021 and he is a former first-round pick, the Seahawks can choose to re-sign him. If the Seahawks decide to cut Carson, they can create $4.9 million in cap space in 2022.