Seahawks release Justin Britt and DJ Fluker

Contributing Writer for Telegraph Local | See @tommyfradenburg

Through free agency and the NFL Draft the Seattle Seahawks have brought in a number of new offensive lineman. Veterans Justin Britt and DJ Fluker became the first casualties of the influx of new talent; with Seattle releasing them on Sunday.

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Dear 12s,

I was released by the Seahawks today. Couple of things: I am not upset, or hurt. This is a business and one that I’ve been in for a while. I want to thank John and Pete for their very thoughtful calls.

Stay safe, be kind and I love y’all.

Thank you, Seattle.
— DJ Fluker TheWarrior (@DJTheWarrior76) April 26, 2020

Fluker, who was entering the final year of his two-year contract with Seattle, announced the news on his Twitter account on Sunday evening. The move does result in a $500,000 dead cap hit, but it also saves Seattle $3.687 million against the salary cap for 2020.

Fluker entered the NFL as a top-15 pick to the then-San Diego Chargers in 2011; and earned distinction by the PFWA All-Rookie Team. After playing out his rookie contract he spent one year with the New York Giants before joining the Seahawks in 2018.

He started 23 games over two seasons in the Pacific Northwest and was considered one of the bright spots on an otherwise uninspiring offensive line.

“Fluke! Going to miss you bro! Keep bringing the energy. Love you bro! Homies for life,” quarterback Russell Wilson responded to the news.

Justin Britt announced the team’s decision to release him in a more subtle way, simply posting a peace emoji on his Instagram story.

Justin Britt appearing to make his release by Seattle official. pic.twitter.com/8drgUxXf4w
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) April 27, 2020

Releasing Britt frees up more space than Fluker at around $8.5 million, but also comes with a large dead cap hit of $2.9 million. Britt has spent his entire six-year career with Seattle, starting at least 15 games from 2014-2018.

The Seahawks selected him in the second round of the 2014 draft out of Missouri; and signed him to a three-year, $27 million extension in 2017.

The injury bug finally bit Britt in 2019. He played just eight games last season before tearing his ACL in the first quarter of a 27-20 win over Atlanta on October 27.

Business Decisions

Fluker and Britt make way for free agent signings Chance Warmack, Brandon Shell, Cedric Ogbuehi and B.J. Finney along with third round draft pick Damien Lewis. It also frees up money for the team to acquire one more piece in free agency.

Even without Fluker and Britt, Seattle still has 17 offensive lineman on their roster. By slimming the ranks and payroll there; money is freed up to bring in one more asset in free agency. One move many fans hope to see is the re-signing of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

The former top-overall draft pick played 13 games during his lone season in Seattle, posting his lowest sack total since his injury-shortened rookie season.