Seahawks GM warns new state income tax could impact free agency signings
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Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider emphasized that he believes a recent decision by Washington state lawmakers could create problems as the current Super Bowl champions look to add players to maintain long-term success.
Washington’s long-standing status as a largely tax-free state will change in 2028 after lawmakers approved a “millionaire’s tax” that would impose a 9.9% tax on high-income earners.
The tax would apply to people earning more than $1 million a year. Governor Bob Ferguson has indicated he will sign the bill. It’s unclear whether the legislation will face legal challenges. Schneider predicted that the new tax break could hinder the Seahawks’ ability to acquire free agents and ultimately sign contracts.
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Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
Schneider suggested that Washington’s tax breaks have been emphasized in some of the team’s pitch to free agents over the years.
“I had a bunch of agents texting me the other day saying, ‘Hey, I can’t use this anymore, man,'” Schneider said on his Seattle Sports 710-AM radio show this week.
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“I think that’s true for all the pro teams in town. It’s always been a big attraction, especially competing with the California teams. It’s been a big deal for us. So it’s going to bite us in terms of recruiting and what that looks like. I’m sure Mike Reinfeldt and Mickey Loomis and all the hatters who’ve been here before are looking at it like ‘Dang’ too.”
Super Bowl LX trophy celebration at Lumen Field in Seattle on February 11, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
As of 2026, the Seahawks are one of eight NFL clubs located in a state that does not impose an income tax on personal wages.
Two of these teams, the Texans and Cowboys, are located in Texas, while three of these teams play home games in Florida: Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Dolphins. The Raiders are moving from California to tax-free neighboring Nevada in 2020, while the Titans are set to open a multibillion-dollar domed stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2027.
Seattle Seahawks wear helmets before a game between the Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on December 7, 2025. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“It’s going to be a problem, and I hope it doesn’t happen,” an unnamed NFL representative told ESPN when asked about his thoughts on the potential impact new taxes could have on the Seahawks.
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While it remains unclear whether new taxes will affect NFL players’ decisions to sign with the Seahawks, one MLB player recently cited California’s high tax rates in his decision to reject a deal with the San Diego Padres.
Merrill Kelly, who entered the free agent market after playing 10 games with the Texas Rangers in 2025, agreed to a deal to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks last month.
According to ESPN, Kelly agreed to a two-year contract with the Diamondbacks worth an estimated $40 million. Although the Padres offered a similar three-year deal instead of two, California’s 13% tax rate on income over $1 million proved to be a significant difference.
“I don’t think it’s any secret how much money is going to come out of your pocket when you go to California,” the right-hander said. “Bad Zone.”
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