The D line is getting expensive. But I think that's where this defense was already heading to as far back as 2016.
Remember, we tried to jettison Sherm before the draft. We clearly were looking at shedding contract in the secondary.
Similarly, we should expect relief from KJ's contract. We're going to shed money there as well.
We're going to lose Earl's contract. Also Kam's deal can be shed for a modest dead money hit in 2019. All told, that'd be about 20m in cap space right there. And naturally, the massive dead money allocation this year will be relieved for 2019.
If you're looking at where we've been heading -- it looks like Seattle has been expecting to shift defensive dollars to the DL for some time. So I don't think you're wrong. I also don't think it's a bad thing either.
We are arriving at the correct conclusion that our strength is developing the back seven. We should take advantage of that efficiency by continuing to develop good/cheap players there. Ideally we'd be in a position to trade guys we develop for draft capital if we've already groomed a suitable successor.