Seahawks likely to re-sign guard Jordan Simmons to split salary

A Seahawks update as we await word on Jadeveon Clowney: I'm told they'll likely re-sign G Jordan Simmons after non-tendering him. A possible explanation for that is the ERFA tender doesn't allow for a spit salary, which would make sense for him as he spent last year on IR (knee).

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) March 19, 2020

The Seattle Seahawks offered four of their eight exclusive rights free agents (ERFA) a tender for the 2020 season: Wide receiver Malik Turner, guard Jordan Roos, defensive tackle Bryan Mone and defensive back Ryan Neal.

That left guard Jordan Simmons, defensive back Kalan Reed, tight end Tyrone Swoopes and linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee without a contract and sent them out into free agency.

However, the Seahawks are hoping to bring back Simmons, but with a revised contract at least according to ESPN’s Brady Henderson.

The ERFA tender does not allow for what is called a split salary, which reduces the player’s hit against the salary cap if they are on the injured reserve. Split salaries are common for young players coming off injuries, like Simmons.

A split salary reduces the player's salary/cap charge if he ends up on IR. Common for young players coming off injuries. Simmons played well in his three starts in 2018, so it's a no-brainer to keep him in the fold for 2020.

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) March 19, 2020

Simmons looked very promising in three starts in 2018, but was unable to build on that momentum in 2019 – missing the entire season with a knee injury.

If re-signed, Simmons will compete with a plethora of young guards, including Jamarco Jones, Phil Haynes, Ethan Pocic, Jordan Roos and Demetrius Knox, for playing time along the offensive line in 2020 – provided he can stay healthy.