Seahawks release Sidney Rice and Red Bryant

The Seattle Seahawks have officially released wide receiver Sidney rice and defensive end Red Bryant, according to

Rice was an easy cap casualty, and he was due to make $17.5 million over the next two years with a cap hit of $9.7 million for the 2014 season.

Bryant was due to make $17.5 million over the next three years and has a cap hit of $8.5 million for 2014. Bryant was a fourth-round draft pick by the Seahawks in 2008 and had 30 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season. The team saves $5.5 million by cutting him.

Here is part of the the team's official press released on the two moves:

"We want to thank both Red and Sidney for their effort, commitment and contribution to the Seattle Seahawks over the last few years," said Executive Vice President/GM John Schneider. "These are extremely tough decisions, but we wanted to give them a head start on free agency. We wish them well in the future."

Drafted by Seattle in the fourth-round (121^st overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft as a defensive tackle, Seattle moved Bryant to end in 2010 where he started 54 games.

Bryant played in 64 games with 55 starts, tallying 121 tackles (78 solo), 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, one touchdown, seven passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Over the past three seasons, he started 47 games, missing one due to injury. He also played in five postseason games with six tackles (two solo).

Signed by Seattle as an unrestricted free agent on July 29, 2011, Rice played in 33 games with 31 starts for the Seahawks with 97 receptions for 1,463 yards and 12 touchdowns over three seasons.