The Seahawks released safety Quandre Diggs, safety Jamal Adams and tight end Will Dissly on Tuesday, parting ways with three veteran starters.
The moves come just over a week before the start of the new league year and the beginning of free agency, which starts on March 13, and with those moves, the Seahawks will look quite a bit different at both safety and tight end in 2024.
Diggs, who was acquired in a 2019 trade, has started 72 games in four-plus seasons with the Seahawks, including every game in each of the past four seasons, earning Pro-Bowl honors three straight times from 2020-2022, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that he suffered a serious leg and ankle injury in the final game of the 2021 season that required surgery. In his time with Seattle, Diggs, a two-time team captain, had 18 interceptions, including three or more in each of his first four seasons, continuing a streak he started in Detroit and making him the first safety since Ed Reed to have three or more interceptions in six straight seasons.
Adams, also a trade acquisition, joined the Seahawks in 2020 and earned Pro-Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors that year after setting a record for defensive backs with 9.5 sacks, but injuries have limited his impact since that year, with Adams appearing in just 22 games over the past three seasons, including 10 the past two years after tearing his quadriceps tendon in the 2022 season opener.
The Seahawks do still have Julian Love at safety, having signed him to a multi-year deal last offseason, and Love is coming off a Pro-Bowl campaign in 2023, but they will now have a new starter at the other safety spot.
Dissly, a 2018 fourth-round pick out of the University of Washington, fought through significant injuries in his first two seasons, tearing his patellar tendon as a rookie and his Achilles in his second season, to become a mainstay in Seattle's offense. After playing only 10 games those first two seasons, Dissly appeared in at least 15 games each of the past four seasons, starting 55 of 62 games from 2020-2023. Over his six seasons with the Seahawks, Dissly recorded 127 catches for 1,421 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also playing a big role in the running game.
By releasing Dissly, the Seahawks could have an entirely new tight end group in 2024, as Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson are both set to become free agents next week if they aren't re-signed before the start of the league year.
The timing of these decisions lines up with what general manager and president of football operations John Schneider described last week at the NFL Scouting Combine, which was that this would be the week the team would start making roster decisions now that a new coaching staff, led by Mike Macdonald, is finally in place.
"We literally are just getting done hiring guys, so you think about all of us sitting in a room together, we are all like getting to know each other, 'What's important to you, what's important to all these different people?'" Schneider said last week. "So Mike and I, when we got together, we had a vision for where we want to take this thing, but you've got to get into the specifics of the positions, too, and understand what is important to those guys in order to get the buy-in from the staff.''
Asked specifically about making salary-cap related moves, Schneider acknowledged that could still be coming, and on Tuesday that was indeed the case.
"You're constantly evaluating that," Schneider said. "That's one of those things we'll find out, 'OK if we are interested in such-and-such a player, how are we going to create space to acquire that player? If we are trading with another team for a player, how are we are going to create the space?' Right now, at this time of the year, it's like huge chess pieces we're trying to work through. I don't have specifics for you guys, but I know that we are getting there."
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle. In six seasons, Dissly totaled 127 receptions, 1,421 yards and 13 touchdowns with Seattle.
Washington tight end Will Dissly scores a touchdown against Montana in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington's Will Dissly, left, is brought down by Utah's Jaylon Johnson on a 28-yard, first-down pass play to the Utah two yard line late in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Seattle. Washington won 33-30. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington tight end Will Dissly (98) against Penn State during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Washington tight end Will Dissly participates in the Bench Press at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Washington tight end Will Dissly runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Washington tight end Will Dissly runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
