The Seahawks selected offensive tackle Germain Ifedi at No. 31 overall in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. This spring, Seattle declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Ifedi’s rookie contract for the 2020 season. Ifedi is now slated to become a free agent at the end of this year.
Ifedi appeared before the media after the start of Seahawks minicamp and was asked his thoughts on the team’s decision.
“I had no reaction,” Ifedi said. “I think I’m not sure to fit the options, that the best thing, as far as player contracts, but reading into their not picking it up, I think football’s a business, man. They made a business decision, and I can’t feel one way or another about it. It is what it is. Going into the last year of my contract, that’s what it means.”
But Ifedi’s career isn’t necessarily over in Seattle after this season as the two sides can always come to an agreement on a long-term extension. That is, if the Seahawks deem Ifedi worthy of the money right tackles are now commanding around the league. The Seahawks, by not exercising the option, sent a clear message . . . Ifedi must prove himself this season.
“Well, you know, it’s football, nothing’s promised,” Ifedi continued. “Could be my last day out here. So, you know, taking one day at a time, as cliche as it sounds, taking one day at a time and work as hard as you can and everything will work out.”
