Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider warned that Washington's new income tax could undermine the team's competitive advantage in signing free agents. The state legislature passed the first-ever income tax targeting high earners, imposing a 9.9% tax on annual income exceeding $1 million starting in 2028. Governor Bob Ferguson has pledged to sign the bill.

The Seahawks have long used Washington's lack of income tax as a recruiting tool, one of eight NFL teams in no-income-tax states. Schneider noted agents have already stopped using the tax advantage in pitches to players. The team competes against California franchises where players face higher tax rates, making Seattle's previous pitch more attractive. NFL agents remain divided on the tax's impact.

While some agents believe the tax won't significantly affect free agency decisions, others argue it will be a factor for players considering lucrative contracts. The tax won't take effect until 2028, so immediate recruiting won't be impacted. Schneider acknowledged the change will 'sting' from a recruiting standpoint, though he noted that total contract value remains the primary consideration for most players.