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Washington’s New "Millionaire" Tax Forces 3 Seahawks Rookies to Join Other NFL Teams Due to Living Costs in Downtown Seattle, per Schneider

Seattle, WA – A surprising revelation from Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider sheds light on the challenges the team is facing due to the new income tax law in Washington. Schneider revealed that the state’s new "millionaire tax," which will be implemented in 2028, has led to three rookie players being forced to join other NFL teams, as they couldn’t afford to live in downtown Seattle under the new tax structure.

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Recently, Washington passed a bill imposing a 9.9% tax on annual income exceeding $1 million, which will significantly affect professional athletes, particularly those with large contracts. According to Schneider, despite the Seahawks offering appealing deals, the rookies were unable to justify the cost of living in Seattle, where the high taxes and living expenses are substantial.

“This is a huge challenge,” Schneider said. “We tried to convince the rookies to stay, but with the tax burden, they couldn’t afford to live in downtown Seattle and had to go to other teams. It’s not just affecting us—it’s impacting our future in attracting players.”

While the Seahawks have long been an attractive team due to their success and position in the NFL, the new tax law has shifted the landscape. Schneider emphasized that teams in states without income taxes will become serious competitors in free agency and for rookies.

Some rookies, after considering financial factors, decided to join teams in states with no income tax or lower rates. This marks a significant shift the Seahawks will have to contend with as they build their roster for the upcoming season.

As Seahawks look to rebuild after some key departures, the state’s tax policy change will force them to adjust their recruiting strategy and long-term plans.

Are the Seahawks Taking a Gamble by Signing a Cornerback With Only One Interception in Five NFL Seasons? – Once Called “Explosive,” Now Searching for a Second Breakout in Seattle
Seattle, Washington The Seattle Seahawks made another intriguing move during the offseason by signing cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, a former first-round pick who entered the league with enormous expectations. However, the signing has already sparked debate across the NFL. After five seasons in the league, Igbinoghene has recorded just one interception, a statistic that has led many analysts and fans to wonder whether Seattle is uncovering an overlooked talent — or taking a gamble on a player who never fully met the expectations of his draft status. When the Miami Dolphins selected him with the 30th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Igbinoghene was widely viewed as one of the most intriguing defensive backs in that class. A former wide receiver turned cornerback, he possessed elite speed, physicality, and the ability to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. Several scouts at the time described him as an “explosive” prospect with the raw traits to become a standout NFL defender. But the NFL rarely follows the script. Igbinoghene’s early years in Miami were inconsistent, and he later spent time with both the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders while searching for a stable role in a defensive system. Still, the past two seasons have shown signs of progress. In 2024, he recorded 55 tackles and seven pass breakups, while starting 10 games, the most consistent playing time of his career. Seattle believes the 26 year old cornerback still has untapped potential. “I know people look at the interception numbers and think I haven’t done much in this league,” Igbinoghene said after joining Seattle. “But I’ve never doubted my ability. The Seahawks gave me this opportunity, and I’m going to prove they believed in the right player.” Seattle’s secondary remains built around players like Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe, meaning Igbinoghene will likely begin his time with the team as a depth corner and special teams contributor. But in the NFL, sometimes one opportunity at the right moment can change the trajectory of a player’s career. For Noah Igbinoghene, Seattle may be exactly the place where he finally gets the chance to ignite the breakout many once predicted.

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