Given their recent successes, the San Francisco 49ers might seem more attractive to players than the Seattle Seahawks. However, new Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins explained why he chose Seattle over San Francisco, despite the 49ers’ recent Super Bowl appearance and their five-game winning streak against the Seahawks, including postseason victories.
Jenkins, excited to work under new Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald, a highly regarded defensive strategist, revealed that his decision was influenced by factors beyond football.
“I wanted to go to a contender, I wanted to go to a bigger market,” Jenkins said. “I felt like Seattle was the perfect place. Plenty of opportunity. I’m joining a team with a defensive-minded head coach. And quite frankly, the taxes played a big role. Between San Francisco and Seattle, I had to consider that.”
Jenkins visited the 49ers after his initial trip to Seattle. Though he had two more visits planned, the Seahawks’ offer prompted him to make a decision. The 49ers matched the offer, but the tax situation in Washington, which has no state income tax, swayed his choice. California, by contrast, has the highest state income tax in the country. With Jenkins’ contract set at $12 million over two years, including $6.26 million guaranteed, the financial aspect was crucial.
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Beyond finances, Jenkins’ football credentials are impressive. According to NextGen Stats, he was the top safety in 2023, with a receptions-over-expected metric of minus 5.6, highlighting his coverage skills. Sports Info Solutions noted he was the sixth-most targeted safety, yet he allowed the fifth-lowest completion percentage (41.5%) and an eighth-best passer rating against (50.3) among safeties with at least 20 targets.
Jenkins excelled in other metrics as well. He ranked fourth in positive play rate allowed (31.7%) and seventh in Expected Points Added per target allowed. His performance indicates he can significantly bolster Seattle’s pass defense, potentially improving their chances against San Francisco’s formidable offense.
Whether Jenkins’ addition will end the Seahawks’ losing streak against the 49ers remains to be seen. Nonetheless, Seattle can be grateful that Jenkins prioritized his financial well-being, leading him to choose the Seahawks over their NFC West rivals.
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