Seahawks Release Doug Baldwin, Kam Chancellor

“End of an era.” “Two Seattle icons.” “Underappreciated.” All true, but it doesn’t make the news any easier to swallow.

The Seattle Seahawks released Doug Baldwin and Kam Chancellor Thursday with a “failed physical” designation.

Chancellor spent last season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list after a devastating neck injury in Week 10 of 2017.

Baldwin’s release and expectation of retirement seemingly came out of nowhere. During the 2019 NFL Draft, General Manager John Schneider told reporters Baldwin was considering retirement.

The release from Seattle all but clinches Baldwin’s NFL career is over. The 30-year-old wide receiver underwent shoulder, knee and sports hernia surgeries since the 2018 season ended.

“The Seahawks have made the difficult decision to terminate/failed physical Doug Baldwin and Kam Chancellor,” Seahawks general manager John Schneider said on Seahawks.com. “These are two of the most iconic players in franchise history and both were instrumental in establishing our championship culture, great examples of competitiveness and leadership on the field and in the community. These legendary players will always be a part of our Seahawks family.”

Chancellor was a Seahawks fifth-round pick in 2010, and helped usher in the Legion of Boom Era with Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas.

As for Baldwin, he joined Seattle as an undrafted free agent in 2011. In his rookie year, Baldwin led Seattle in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns.

Baldwin leaves Seattle with the franchise record for single-season touchdown receptions (14 in 2015). He tied the franchise record for receptions in a single-season (96 in 2016). In Seahawks history, Baldwin’s 49 touchdowns are only behind Steve Largent, while the 493 catches and 6,563 receiving yards are third, only behind Brian Blades and Largent.

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