Seahawks withdraw RFA tender from S Ryan Neal, allowing him to sign with any NFL team as a free agent

The Seattle Seahawks included their safety Ryan Neal as a restricted free agent last month, but it seems the decision took one month to change.

Ryan joined the Seahawks in 2019 after going undrafted the previous year, and since then things seem to have turned around and he has become a key member of the team. Despite not getting any solid deal, he kept performing for the franchise, and finally, the Seahawks are determined on what to do with the safety.

Recently, they withdrew the RFA tender for their safety, and now he is an unrestricted free agent.

• Seahawks QB Geno Smith responds to NFL fan’s fake stat taunt with epic comeback

Why did the Seahawks release Ryan Neal?

The 27-year-old played four seasons for the Seahawks, but because of the budget issue, they decided to release him. With this decision, the franchise can make space for $2.627 in their salary cap.

The Seahawks have withdrawn the restricted free agent tender from S Ryan Neal, making him a free agent and eligible to sign with any team.

He stepped up for the team with a career season in 2022, posting 66 tackles and 8 passes defensed.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 31, 2023

Furthermore, they recently signed Julian Love to a two-year, $12 million deal with the New York Giants. Considering him as the starter and Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs as his backups, Neal wasn’t given any option but to release him.

He spent the last season in quite a spectacular way, making 66 tackles with 45 solo attempts and eight passes defended in 14 games. However, it was his time to move on, and the Seahawks are not expecting a draft pick for trading him.

• Pro Bowl LB Bobby Wagner signs with Seahawks on one-year, $7 million deal

Neal’s tale should serve as an inspiration to any player out there struggling to find his place in the franchise, Even if a player doesn’t have the best contract or the best team, he can still try his best and hopefully be blessed with befitting appreciation somewhere down the line.

Actions speak louder than words and the 111 solo tackles and 16 pass defenses in 46 appearances across four seasons by the 27-year-old for the Seahawks should make him a great prospect. We at SportsZion wish him very success in his positive future endeavors.