Seahawks GM warns new state earnings tax may impression free company signings

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Seattle Seahawks normal supervisor John Schneider highlighted a latest choice by Washington state lawmakers that he believes may pose issues because the reigning Super Bowl champions look so as to add gamers to maintain long-term success.

Washington’s long-standing standing as a largely tax-free state is about to vary in 2028 after lawmakers authorised a "millionaire tax" that may levy a 9.9% charge on excessive earners.

The tax will apply to people incomes greater than $1 million yearly. Gov. Bob Ferguson has indicated he'll signal the invoice. It's unclear whether or not the laws will face authorized challenges. Schneider projected the brand new tax deduction may hinder the Seahawks' means to recruit and in the end signal free brokers.

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Seattle Seahawks normal supervisor John Schneider speaks to the media in the course of the NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium Feb. 24, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Photographs)

Schneider advised that a part of the staff’s pitch to free brokers over time has highlighted Washington’s tax exemptions.

"There have been a bunch of brokers texting me the opposite day like, ‘Hey, can’t use that anymore, buddy,’" Schneider stated this week on his Seattle Sports activities 710-AM radio present.

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"I feel it's for all the professional groups right here on the town. It is all the time been an enormous attraction, particularly competing with the California groups. It has been a giant deal for us. So, it will sting, from a recruiting standpoint and what that appears like. I am positive Mike Reinfeldt and Mickey Loomis and all of the cap guys which were right here earlier than, too, are this like, ‘Dang.’"

The Tremendous Bowl LX trophy celebration at Lumen Area Feb. 11, 2026, in Seattle. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Photographs)

As of 2026, the Seahawks are one among eight NFL golf equipment based mostly in a state that doesn't impose earnings tax on private wages.

Two of these groups, the Texans and Cowboys, are based mostly in Texas, whereas three of these groups play dwelling video games in Florida: the Jaguars, Buccaneers and Dolphins. The Raiders relocated from California to the neighboring tax-free Nevada in 2020, whereas the Titans are set to open a multibillion-dollar domed stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2027.

Seattle Seahawks helmets earlier than a recreation between the Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (Perry Knotts/Getty Photographs)

"It should be an issue, and hopefully it would not occur," an unnamed NFL agent advised ESPN when requested about ideas on the potential impression the brand new taxes may have on the Seahawks.

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Whereas it stays unclear whether or not the brand new taxes will affect NFL gamers’ selections about signing with the Seahawks, an MLB participant not too long ago cited California’s larger tax charges in his choice to show down a take care of the San Diego Padres.

Merrill Kelly , who entered the free agent market after pitching in 10 video games with the Texas Rangers in 2025, final month agreed to a deal to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Kelly agreed to a two-year contract value an estimated $40 million with the Diamondbacks, based on ESPN. Though the Padres provided a comparable deal at three years as an alternative of two, California’s 13% tax charge on earnings above $1 million proved a key distinction.

"I don’t assume it’s any secret on how a lot cash you get taken out of your pocket if you go to California," the right-hander advised "Foul Territory."