Clayton: Seahawks figured out how to get better without breaking the bank

The Seahawks may not have broken the bank with their spending this offseason, but they sure have shown a commitment to the offense, which should please Russell Wilson.

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As far as money spent, the Seahawks have invested $102.2 million on the offense, and that doesn’t include wide receiver Tyler Lockett’s extension of four years and $69 million. That ranks eighth in the NFL, according to Over The Cap, and it’s the fourth-most in the NFC, trailing Dallas, Tampa Bay and Green Bay.

The Cleveland Browns lead the league with $139.118 million spent. The Lockett deal could take the Seahawks into the top two. The Cowboys are at $117.5 million, the Bucs are at $110 million, and the Packers were at $108.3 million and still haven’t gotten a receiver for Aaron Rodgers for the second consecutive offseason.

Critics have blasted the Seahawks for not spending a lot along the offensive line, but that has improved as they’ve now put $33.06 million into the position group. Duane Brown makes more than $10 million a year. Gabe Jackson just did a three-year, $22.5 million contract with Seattle after his trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. Brandon Shell makes $4.5 million a year. Backup tackle Cedric Ogbuehi re-upped at $2.3 million. Backup guard Jordan Simmons got $1.2 million. Starting center Ethan Pocic is on a one-year, $3 million contract.

Related link: Seahawks offseason tracker

What’s surprising is Seattle’s spending on defense. Before Al Woods officially signed his one-year, $3 million deal Monday, the Seahawks were 27th in spending on defense. Part of that is the departure of cornerback Shaquill Griffin and then release of defensive tackle Jarran Reed. The Seahawks still could re-sign cornerback Quinton Dunbar or get another cornerback who can challenge for a starting job. They are at $68.7 million.

That lower number could allow the Seahawks to re-sign linebacker K.J. Wright and get a long-term extension for safety Jamal Adams. They did a good job getting defensive end/push rush players at decent prices. Carlos Dunlap got two years at $6.8 million a year, Benson Mayowa re-signed for two years and $7.62 million, and Kerry Hyder left the 49ers for Seattle and $3.25 million.

The Seahawks didn’t overspend. They’ve been smart. The team seems deeper and better.

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