Rayshawn Jenkins reveals why he made surprising decision to choose Seattle Seahawks over San Francisco 49ers

Given their contrasting fortunes during recent times, the San Francisco 49ers would appear to have a significant edge over the Seattle Seahawks when it comes to attracting players.

But new Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins revealed this week that he picked the Seahawks over the 49ers after visiting with both, despite the fact the Niners went to the Super Bowl last season and have won their last five games against Seattle, including the postseason.

Though he is clearly excited at the prospect of playing for one of the finest defensive minds in the game in new Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald, the critical factor in his decision had nothing to do with 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 going into a team with a head coach that's defensive-minded and quite frankly out of San Francisco and Seattle, the taxes as well. So I had to think about that.

"I took a visit to the 49ers. I went here first, then to the 49ers. Then I had two more visits set up, but Seattle called, made an offer. They [the 49ers] matched it obviously, but going back to those taxes, I was like, I'm going out here."

Taking away the football component, Jenkins' decision makes a lot of sense.

Washington has no state income tax, whereas California's is the highest in the country. Given that Jenkins' contract is for $12 million over two years with $6.26 million guaranteed, the importance the 30-year-old placed on not losing money to taxes is understandable.

The edge the Seahawks had in that regard allowed them to sign an underrated safety.