FEBRUARY 28: The Seahawks have officially released Bryant, the team announced today (Twitter link).

FEBRUARY 23: The Seahawks are planning to release defensive lineman Red Bryant in order to free up cap space for unrestricted free agent Michael Bennett, reports Alex Marvez of Fox Sports 1 (via Twitter).

According to OverTheCap.com, cutting Bryant would create $5.5MM in cap savings in 2014.

Bennett was a huge part of the Seahawks Super Bowl winning defense. He was set to hit free agency as one of the most prominent pass rushers available, after signing a one-year deal to play with the Seahawks last season. The team released Sidney Rice earlier this week in hopes to free up cap space as well.

Bennett has been expected to be re-signed by the Seahawks, and expressed interest in returning to the team on a long-term contract. At the same time, he indicated that he would not be giving the team a hometown discount, saying there is “no such thing as a discount” in the NFL.

General manager John Schneider has singled out Bennett as a priority this offseason.