New Washington ‘Millionaire Tax’ Could Hurt Seahawks Recruiting

[Pedro Ram]

Interesting article. For years the Seahawks had a recruiting edge because Washington had no state income tax, something the Rams and 49ers couldn’t offer in California. Now Washington’s new tax on high earners could chip away at that advantage. The fact that GM John Schneider is already talking about it publicly says a lot.

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ESPN - New WA Tax law could affect Seahawks Recruiting

 

[jrry32]

I doubt it. We've never had problems attracting FAs. It's not like they're choosing Texas and Florida teams over the Rams.

 

[OldSchool]

Hasn't hurt the Rams.

 

[TSFH Fan]

the Seahawks had a recruiting edge

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any recent free agent choosing Washington/Seattle over L.A. So, not sure what they've done with this supposed "edge".

If the GM wants to make pre-emptive excuses for anticipated failing in off-season signings, good for him. Ultimately, drilling down, it sounds kind of sad - Schneider can't sell players on having better weather than LA, or lifestyle or opportunities so, in desperation, he had to sell them on taxes? Sad.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgXmerYZA44

Another agent said he doesn't think the tax will hurt the Seahawks in free agency, noting that two of their division rivals -- the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers -- still land targeted free agents despite California's much higher income tax. The agent also cited the New York Jets, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings as teams that tend to be unaffected in free agency by their states' income tax.

That agent said states with no income tax or lower rates are a bonus but that it doesn't tend to be a deciding factor for players, and that the ones in position to command big money in free agency will still opt for the best deals.

 

[Turducken]

Hasn't hurt the Rams.

It probably has a bit. SoCal has lifestyle draws and other income opportunities. We're a well-run team, great culture and a consistent winner. Players can't dictate who drafts them so the real question comes up when we are trying to hold onto our free agents or attract outside ones. The draws overcome most bottom line money objections, but not all.

It's probably the lunch pail guys who move from a rookie contract around $1m per year to a deal making $3-6mil per year. Those guys usually have one shot to some make some real money. I remember reading that Greg Gaines saved a half million a year signing with a team in a zero income tax state.

 

[kmramsfan]

I'd say that Schneider's blowin' smoke up everyone's a$$es.

A quick search produced this:
For an annual salary over $2 million in California, the top marginal state income tax rate is 13.3% on taxable income over $1,485,907 for 2025-2026. Additionally, high earners are subject to a 1% mental health services act surcharge on net income over $1 million, effectively increasing the top rate for many, with some total tax burdens reaching over 14%