National Football League

Seattle Seahawks free agency preview: Front office will go slow again

Published Mar. 3, 2015 11:05 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

The Seattle Seahawks were one play away from winning back-to-back Super Bowls.

Instead, general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll have begun the process of working towards their second Lombardi in three seasons.

It's not in Seattle's DNA to be big players this time of year. This organization prides itself on building their team through the NFL Draft and uncovering hidden talent. In fact, only five of the Seahawks' starters in the latest Super Bowl were acquired through free agency.

How they finished:

2014: 12-4 -- Loss in Super Bowl against New England

2013: 13-3 -- Won Super Bowl

Estimated salary cap space: $19 million

Potential free agency targets: Don't expect the Seahawks to strike it big this time of year. Their remaining cap space should be used to keep a few more franchise players in house. Quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner are in line for some hefty contract extensions.

Potential cap casualties: The Seahawks defense lacked some stiffness against the run once defensive tackle Brandon Mebane went down with a torn hamstring. The unit, however, regained its strength down the stretch. With Mebane scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.5 million next season, the 30-year-old lineman could be set free.

Offseason needs: TE, OL, DL

Notable free agents:

CB Byron Maxwell

DE O'Brien Schofield

OLB Malcolm Smith

MLB Heath Farwell

S Jeron Johnson

TE Tony Moeaki

WR Jermaine Kearse (restricted)

WR Bryan Walters (restricted)

OLB Mike Morgan (restricted)

DE Greg Scruggs (restricted)