SEATTLE _ The offseason started earlier than the Seahawks were hoping, Seattle's season ending with Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Packers in a divisional playoff game.
That kicks off what will be a typically busy offseason for the Seahawks as they begin to decide which of their 19 unrestricted free agents to retain while also diving knee deep into preparations for the NFL draft.
The free-agency period hits first, beginning March 18, though teams can re-sign their own players at any time, with the draft April 23-25.
Eight starters or significant rotation pieces are unrestricted free agents _ defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney, Ziggy Ansah and Quinton Jefferson, defensive tackles Jarran Reed and Al Woods, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, left guard Mike Iupati and right tackle Germain Ifedi.
Of that group, the two biggest question marks are Clowney and Reed, players Seattle would have to make significant moves to replace if neither were to re-sign.
But with a projected $58.3 million in cap space entering the weekend _ seventh-most in the NFL _ the Seahawks will have their most flexibility to make big moves since the offseason that led into the 2013 season.
Seattle also could clear out more space by moving on from some veterans who have big cap numbers but little or no guaranteed money.
Here's a list of Seattle's free agents, in alphabetical order, and a thought on their future.
