The Seattle Seahawks suffered their first big loss Tuesday when defensive tackle Clinton McDonald agreed to a four-year deal with Tampa Bay for $12 million.
McDonald, 27, possibly was the most underrated player on the team in 2013. He had a breakout season with 5½ sacks, 35-regular-season tackles and an interception. He was a major force inside, along with defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.
McDonald made only $592,000 last season, so it was thought the Seahawks had a good chance to keep him. Look for Seattle to make a push now to keep defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, who made $605,000 last season. McDaniel also can play defensive end.
But McDonald was the man in the middle the Seahawks needed to keep. That he received a 500 percent raise tells you all you need to know.
The Seahawks also lost defensive end/linebacker O'Brien Schofield, which wasn't a surprise. But the amount of money he received from the Giants is surprising at $8 million for two years.