Seahawks cut WR Mike Williams

[travisduncan]

The Seahawks made a somewhat surprising move Friday, releasing veteran wideout Mike Williams.

Williams was thought to be competing for the 4th receiver spot going into training camp later this month, but Williams won't get that opportunity.

The former first-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft was signed by the Seahawks prior to the 2010 season.

In two seasons Williams managed to start 23 out of 26 games he played in but the production simply was not there in 2011.

Williams played in 12 games last season, missing four games due to injuries, including an ankle injury which put him out for the season in December.

The move will save the Seahawks $3 million Williams was scheduled to make in 2012. The Tacoma News Tribune reports Williams' departure will save the Seahawks $3.4 million in salary cap space.

The move signals a confidence in young receivers like Doug Baldwin and Kris Durham and the team's inclination (like most NFL teams) of cutting less than productive veterans and their salaries in favor of younger players.