Turnover in the NFL is like taxes, it comes every year and there is always too much of it. Unlike taxes though, you can at least pick and choose who you keep and lose. And with the Seahawks' season ending about two or three weeks sooner than we would have hoped, it's time for the team to start thinking about who they are going to keep, and who they will let go.

First, the most obvious departure is Marshawn Lynch. If he stays on the team, he carries an $11.5 million cap hit. And with THomas Rawls expected to assume a larger, if not the starting role next season, that is one expensive backup in Lynch. Of course, everyone said that same thing last year, but he responded by having a monster year. This year however, there was no moster year. It's definitely sad that he has to go, but he has to go.

Speaking of backup RB's, do they bring back Christine Michael? He had a good showing in his return to the Northwest, showing humility and decent production at times. He probably won't ever live up to the billing many gave him in his (still) early career, but he would not be the worst option to back up Rawls.

Lamenting possible losses on the offensive line might seem like a joke, but niether impending free agent starter for the Hawks offensive line is a loss to laugh about. Continuity is key on the o-line, and both Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy are two of the longest tenured lineman o nthe offensive side of the ball. 

Okung, being a former Pro Bowl selection at the coveted left tackle position, it likely to receive his share of big money offers. And it's more than likely they will all be too rich for Seattle's blood.

Should that be the case, John Schnieder can't risk letting Sweezy go. As mentioned, he's been one of the mainstays for Tom Cable's O-line, and can step into a leadership role. Which will be important as the Seahawks will surely look to bring in their share of lineman prospects in the draft. 

Luckily, the Seahawks have pretty much all of their core locked up into long term contracts. Which now means that they must continue to draft and sign young, cheap talent that can contribute right away to balance the books. They've shown they have the savvy to strike headline deals for the league's best players in the past as well, (Jimmy Graham, Percy Harvin) so don't put that past them eighter.

Photo: Flickr/Ben Rea