NFL FanHouse

Woman Crashes Into Ditch, Brian Bosworth Comes to the Rescue

Michael David Smith — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:17:00 EST

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker (and, ahem, "actor") Brian Bosworth is being hailed as a hero in Winnipeg, Canada after he came upon a car that crashed into a ditch and helped bring a woman trapped inside to safety.

"The Boz" to the Rescue

Former Seattle Seahawk linebacker Brian Bosworth, center in a light shirt, happened to be in the right place at the right time when he helped emergency workers rescue a woman who flipped her SUV outside of of Winnipeg, Canada.

Tom Thomson

Bosworth, better known as "the Boz" during his short NFL career, intially was asked to carry equipment down to the paramedics, but it was clear they needed more manpower.

Tom Thomson

"She was screaming every time we moved her," Bosworth said. "It took five or six guys to get her into the ambulance." Bosworth was in the area because he and his son had gone on a fishing trip.

Tom Thomson

The Winnipeg Free Press reports:

"It looked like she rolled at least two or three times because the car ended up facing the opposite direction of oncoming traffic, upside down in the ditch," Bosworth said. ...

"She was in shock and in pain and we couldn't really move her. Her legs were pinned. We had to cut the steering wheel off. She was screaming every time we moved her," Bosworth said. "It took five or six guys to get her into the ambulance. "

"I see that a lot in the area, the highways aren't the greatest. They are not very forgiving highways. She's lucky. She just missed the guardrail to the river. This could have been really bad," [RCMP Sgt. Line] Karpish said

Bosworth was in the area because he and his son had gone on a fishing trip. The woman and her passenger were treated at a local hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

Woman Crashes Into Ditch, Brian Bosworth Comes to the Rescue originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaun Alexander Can't Get a Job Because He's a Bad Player, Not Because He's a Christian

Michael David Smith — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, NFL Media Watch, Seattle, NFL Free Agency

A writer named Shannon J. Owens had an article in the Orlando Sentinel this weekend that is so stupid that it would be offensive if it weren't so easy to dismiss.

Under the headline, "NFL's Shaun Alexander Seemingly Pays Price for Having Interests Other Than Football," Owens suggests that the reason former Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is not currently under contract to an NFL team is that he's a devout Christian. Owens writes that Alexander's devotion to his church makes him "a pariah to some NFL general managers."

That is absurd. He's a pariah to NFL general managers because he's a bad player. He's averaged three and a half yards a carry the last two years, and he turns 31 before the season starts.

As Mike Sando of ESPN.com writes, Alexander was just as vocal about his Christian faith two years ago, when he got an $11.5 million signing bonus, as he is now. The difference between now and then is that he's not a good player anymore.

The majority of NFL owners, general managers, coaches and players are Christians. There is no anti-Christian bias in the NFL. There's an anti-bad player bias. If you're a bad football player, you can't get a job. That's Alexander's problem.

Shaun Alexander Can't Get a Job Because He's a Bad Player, Not Because He's a Christian originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bobby Engram: I Might Skip Seahawks Camp

Michael David Smith — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, Seattle

Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram is still unhappy with his contract and still unhappy that the team hasn't offered him the kind of money he thinks he deserves. And now he's threatening to take that unhappiness to the next level and skip training camp:

"It's a possibility," Engram said. "We'll see what happens. ...

"I think that everyone is in agreement that I've outplayed that deal. I can't force (the Seahawks') hand, and I'm not trying to force their hand.

"I'm at peace with this decision, and it's not coming from a place of ego or pride. I'm just trying to get something done that will be fair. It's a business decision on both sides, and I understand where they're coming from. But I have to do what I think is best for me in my career."

As I've said before, Engram is right that at base salaries of $1.7 million a year, he was significantly underpaid last season and if he leads the team in catches again in 2008, he'll be significantly underpaid this season, too. But he agreed to his contract, and at age 35, he lacks the leverage to get a new deal. Given that he'll be fined a fortune if he skips camp, I think he'll report on time and play under his current deal, even if he doesn't like it.

Bobby Engram: I Might Skip Seahawks Camp originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seahawks' Lofa Tatupu Arrested for DUI

Michael David Smith — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:13:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, Seattle, NFL Police Blotter

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu has been arrested and charged with drunk driving, a black eye for one of the league's most respected young players less than two months after he signed a lucrative contract extension.

Multiple media outlets are reporting that Tatupu was pulled over as he went through a McDonald's drive-through after police saw him speeding and changing lanes without signaling. Police say he took two breath tests which revealed blood alcohol levels of .155 and .158, or close to twice the legal limit.

Tatupu was the Seahawks' second-round draft pick in 2005 out of USC, and he instantly became one of the league's top linebackers. In March he signed a six-year, $40 million deal to stay in Seattle, with the Seahawks' front office citing his character as one of the reasons that they wanted him to be one of the centerpieces of their franchise for years to come.

Seahawks' Lofa Tatupu Arrested for DUI originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 13 May 2008 17:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bobby Engram Is Right That He's Underpaid, Wrong That He Can Get a New Contract

Michael David Smith — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, Seattle

Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram skipped the team's voluntary minicamp practice yesterday because he's unhappy with his contract, the Tacoma News-Tribune reports.

Engram is correct if he thinks that based on his production, he deserves more money, but incorrect if he thinks he's going to get it.

Engram, who was by far the Seahawks' best receiver last year, has one year and $1.7 million left on his contract. Nate Burleson, who was the Seahawks' second-best receiver last year, will make $3.25 million in 2008. Deion Branch, who was the Seahawks' third-best receiver, will make $4.2 million. Who wouldn't be annoyed when co-workers who contribute less to the company are making twice as much money?

But the fact is, pay in football isn't a meritocracy. It isn't about what you accomplished in the past, it's about what the team expects you to accomplish in the future. Engram is 35 years old, and 35-year-olds just don't get fat new contracts. Engram will play this season under his current deal.

Bobby Engram Is Right That He's Underpaid, Wrong That He Can Get a New Contract originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 06 May 2008 08:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cowboy-Turned-Seahawk Julius Jones: Crowd In Seattle Is 10 Times Better Than Dallas

Michael David Smith — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:44:00 EST

Filed under: Cowboys, Seahawks, Dallas, Seattle

Running back Julius Jones left the Dallas Cowboys to sign a free-agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks this off-season, and he's now saying just the kind of thing that will endear him to Seattle fans and anger Dallas fans.

Jones told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer what it's like to play in Seattle's Qwest Field, and he said it compares favorably with the Cowboys' Texas Stadium:

"I like it here. This is one of my favorite places to play, so I was excited about it. ...

"This was definitely the best fit for me. ...

"I love playing here. The atmosphere, it's 10 times better than Dallas.

"It's intimidating. Before the game, raising the 12th Man flag, and then the 12th Man. It's a lot. It gives you the chills."

Jones just earned himself some love from the fans in Seattle, and he'll most certainly be reminded of those comments in Week 13, when the Seahawks visit Dallas.

Cowboy-Turned-Seahawk Julius Jones: Crowd In Seattle Is 10 Times Better Than Dallas originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 02 May 2008 13:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28. Seattle Seahawks Take Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC in NFL Draft

Michael David Smith — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:16:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, NFL Draft, Seattle

USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson is a good pass rusher who had double-digit sacks as a senior and who had an impressive showing at the scouting combine, but I'm not a big fan of this selection, made with the 28th pick in the NFL draft by the Seahawks.

In my view, Jackson looked a little better than he really is because of the players he was surrounded by at USC. And I also think that there are better defensive ends still available than Jackson, especially Clemson's Phillip Merling.

The Seahawks view themselves as Super Bowl contenders, and maybe they think Jackson is a guy who can help them win now, but they could have made better use of the 28th pick in the draft.

28. Seattle Seahawks Take Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC in NFL Draft originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seattle Seahawks to Cut Shaun Alexander

Michael David Smith — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:42:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to announce today or tomorrow that they have cut running back Shaun Alexander, the NFL's 2005 Most Valuable Player.

Alexander was once among the NFL's top running backs, but in recent years he's been one of the NFL's most overpaid and under-productive players. The eight-year, $62 million contract Seattle gave Alexander in 2006 stands out as one of the prime examples in NFL history of a team rewarding a player for what he's done in the past at the expense of building the team for the future.

There are conflicting reports about exactly when Alexander will be released, but it should come by the end of the day Wednesday at the latest. He will then be a free agent, but he'll have a hard time finding any NFL team willing to sign him. He could try to make a team in training camp, but the best bet might be retiring.

Seattle Seahawks to Cut Shaun Alexander originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seattle Seahawks' Rocky Bernard Arrested

Michael David Smith — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, Seattle, NFL Police Blotter

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard has been arrested on investigation of domestic violence, multiple news outlets are reporting.

Bernard, who turned 29 on Saturday, was reportedly celebrating his birthday at the Ibiza nightclub in Seattle before he was arrested. No other details have been reported, and although the case is scheduled to go to Seattle Municipal Court, so far no charges have been field.

Bernard is a sixth-year player who has developed into a better run stopper in the last two years as he's moved into the starting lineup. He's heading into a contract year, and this incident could both hurt him in contract negotiations and put him in trouble with the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Seattle Seahawks' Rocky Bernard Arrested originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanHouse Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks Select RB Jonathan Stewart No. 25

Tom Mantzouranis — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, NFC West, Seattle

With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.

And so life in the post-Alexander era begins. Julius Jones is a new addition to the Pacific Northwest, but at this point Jones isn't capable of carrying any offense, especially one without a dominant offensive line. Jonathan Stewart, sort of an obvious pick, can be Jones' next Marion Barber.

Surgery on his toe is the only reason the very talented Stewart has fallen this far, and it's a godsend for the Seahawks to grab the local prospect. When healthy, he'll provide Seattle with a very powerful runner who also has good speed and the ability to break long gains.

As for that offensive line, they could use some help, but while Gosder Cherilus is available, tackle is less a need than guard. Dustin Keller is also an option at tight end, but with equal needs at the skill positions the Seahawks have to go with the more valuable overall player, and that's Stewart.

The Skinny:
Team Needs: RB, OT, OG, TE
Player Selected: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Also Considered: Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue; Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

Previous Pick: No. 24, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.

Next Pick: No. 26, Jacksonville Jaguars

FanHouse Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks Select RB Jonathan Stewart No. 25 originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seattle Seahawks Sign Marcus Trufant

Michael David Smith — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:24:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks have signed cornerback Marcus Trufant to a six-year, $50 million contract, locking up their 27-year-old shutdown corner for the prime of his career.

The deal includes $20 million in guaranteed money, $28 million over the first three years and $34 million over the first four. As a practical matter, Trufant is virtually guaranteed to make the $28 million over the first three years, before his 30th birthday.

The Seahawks had placed the franchise tag on Trufant. There have now been two franchise players who have signed long-term deals, Trufant and the Colts' Dallas Clark, and two more who have signed their franchise tenders, the Bengals' Stacy Andrews and the Panthers' Jordan Gross.

This is the Seahawks' second big move to bolster their defense for the long term this week, after signing linebacker Lofa Tatupu to a six-year, $40 million extension. The next Seattle coach, Jim Mora, knows who the corps players in his defense will be for the forseeable future.

Seattle Seahawks Sign Marcus Trufant originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Might Mike Holmgren Be Interested in Pulling a Bill Parcells Next Season?

Tom Mantzouranis — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:49:00 EST

Filed under: 49ers, Seahawks, Seattle, San Francisco

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren didn't want to discuss a contract extension, leaving many to assume that after his deal is up this year Big Walrus would ride off into the sunset and retire away somewhere, free to pursue his dream as a ~~car salesman~~ coffee shop entrepreneur.

But the Daily News has an interesting tidbit about the future of Holm-boy -- "One source says, 'He's enamored with what Parcells is doing in Miami. I can see San Francisco getting to that point.'"

Is this possible? I have no idea if Holmgren is seriously considering pulling a Parcells as ... I don't know the guy. But 49ers coach Mike Nolan is on the hottest of seats this season; a disappointment will cost him his job and everything looks poised for another sub-standard year in San Francisco. If the Yorks decide it's time to blow it up next year they might be willing to turn to the man they've watched own their division and let him do whatever he wants.

Seattle gave Holmgren GM duties upon hire there but stripped them after ineffectiveness. If given the opportunity to focus solely on running the franchise the results might be more successful; the man obviously knows football. But remember, it's all speculation at this point.

Might Mike Holmgren Be Interested in Pulling a Bill Parcells Next Season? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carolina Panthers Sign D.J. Hackett

Michael David Smith — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, Seahawks, Charlotte, Seattle, NFL Free Agency, Carolina

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the Carolina Panthers have signed free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett to a two-year, $3.5 million contract.

Hackett will compete with Muhsin Muhammad and Dwayne Jarrett for the starting job across the field from Steve Smith.

Hackett, who has played his entire four-year NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, was also considering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins. In Hackett's best season, 2006, he caught 45 passes for 610 yards as Seattle's third receiver.

In 2007 Hackett opened the season as a starter for the first time in his career, but he was hurt in the first game of the season and ended up playing just six games. Hackett will never be the No. 1 receiver on any NFL team, but as a role player on a team that already has an established No. 1, I like him a lot. Panthers fans will, too.

Carolina Panthers Sign D.J. Hackett originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaun Alexander Will Cost the Seattle Seahawks Long After He's Gone

Michael David Smith — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, Seattle

Everyone knows that running back Shaun Alexander is done with the Seattle Seahawks; the only question left is how, exactly, the team will get rid of him. The most likely answer: The Seahawks will cut him this month, but designate him as a post-June 1 cut for salary cap purposes.

Basically, that means the Seahawks get to spread out his cap hit, so that he'll cost $2.3 million this year and $4.6 million next year. In any event, the total cap hit for cutting Alexander this year will be $6.9 million, which is the remainder of the prorated $11.5 million signing bonus the team gave him two years ago.

And that shows just how stupid the Seahawks were to sign Alexander to an eight-year, $62 million contract in 2006 -- it was one of the worst contracts in NFL history. How could the Seahawks' front office have been so stupid to give so much money to a 29-year-old coming off a brutal 370-carry season? Did they really think he was going to be a solid contributor for long enough that he would even come close to being worth that $11.5 million signing bonus?

It's not Alexander's fault that he's old and will never be anything more than a three and a half yards a carry player. But it is the Seahawks' fault that he'll still account for $4.6 million on their salary cap in 2009, long after he's gone.

Shaun Alexander Will Cost the Seattle Seahawks Long After He's Gone originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Julius Jones Heads to Seattle; What's Next for Shaun Alexander?

Sportz Assassin — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:56:00 EST

Filed under: Cowboys, Seahawks, NFC West, Seattle, NFL Free Agency

Here is a very interesting move: former Cowboys RB Julius Jones is heading to Seattle. Jones has agreed to a four-year deal in the $12 million range. This comes on the heels of T.J. Duckett signing already. So, the big question is what happens to Shaun Alexander?

With Jones and Duckett on Seattle's roster entering the season, the question is whether or not Shaun Alexander will be around. The Seahawks decided to keep Alexander until they found replacements and now they have two potential replacements.

Jones is expected to compete for the starting job. Duckett was signed to be a short-yardage back as well as a backup fullback and power back. Jones is considered a more elusive back than Duckett.

So, now that the replacements are in, is Alexander set to be released? Signs point to yes. Seattle's run game was horrible last season and Alexander's contract and effectiveness hasn't produced an equal value. Alexander is due to make $4 million next year and is signed through 2013. He played in just 13 games this year, rushing for 716 yards and only four TDs. He also has a career low 3.5 yards-per-rush attempt.

Maurice Morris, who is entering the final year of his deal, could also be cut.

Julius Jones Heads to Seattle; What's Next for Shaun Alexander? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alge Crumper Close to Signing With Seahawks

Sportz Assassin — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:51:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, NFC West, Atlanta, Seattle, NFL Free Agency

Free agent tight end and former Atlanta Falcon Alge Crumpler may be close to signing with the Seattle Seahawks. It makes some sense, seeing that former Falcons head coach Jim Mora, Jr. will be the head coach of the Seahawks once Mike Holmgren retires.

[Crumpler's agent Butch] Williams said. "With Coach [Jim] Mora, Mr. [Tim] Ruskell and Patrick Kerney in Seattle, that causes us to be comfortable."

Mora was fired by the Falcons as the head coach after the 2006. Ruskell served as Atlanta's assistant general manager until being named Seattle's president of football operations in 2005. Former defensive end Patrick Kerney signed with Seattle last season.

From a system standpoint, it makes sense. Crumpler thrived in the West Coast offense in Atlanta -- even if quarterback Michael Vick didn't. He'll go to Seattle and work with a very experienced QB who is well versed in the offense.

It still isn't a done deal, however, as the Tennessee Titans may still be in play. If the Titans come with something much better, Crumpler may elect to become Vince Young's main target.

Alge Crumper Close to Signing With Seahawks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rams Waive Goodbye to Jeff Wilkins; Hello to Josh Brown

Sportz Assassin — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:20:00 EST

Filed under: Rams, Seahawks, NFC West, Seattle, St. Louis

Usually the first day of free agency doesn't see such a big kicker story (relatively speaking). The Rams saw their longtime kicker, Jeff Wilkins, retire on Friday. Wilkins informed the team in the morning that he was taking his K-ball and going home.

Wilkins declined to meet with reporters Friday, instead issuing a statement: "Throughout my 11 years with the Rams, everybody in the organization has been fantastic - from the top to the bottom," he said. "But my retirement is best for me, my family, and the Rams."

Wilkins' retirement has as much to do with health issues as anything.

Nagging leg and back injuries, which could be nerve-related, have spread, and treatments have been unsuccessful.

No biggie. The Rams then go out and sign free agent kicker Josh Brown to a five-year deal later in the evening. Brown, who spent his first five seasons with the Seahawks, has been a Rams killer during his career. Last year, he kicked two game winning field goals over St. Louis that directly affected the outcome of the NFC West. So, not only do they find a capable replacement, they hurt a division rival.

With Wilkins retiring and Issac Bruce getting released, there are only three Rams left from their Super Bowl XXXIV championship team: Torry Holt, Leonard Little and Orlando Pace.

Rams Waive Goodbye to Jeff Wilkins; Hello to Josh Brown originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marcus Trufant Also on Giants' Radar

Dan — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 08:36:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, Seahawks, NFC East, NFC West, New York, Seattle

It's only been a few short weeks since the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, but for General Manager Jerry Reese, party time is over. When the NFL trading period begins next Friday, he wants to be ready to make a splash.

In addition to the Atlanta Falcons DeAngelo Hall, Reese also appears to have his eye on recently franchised Seattle Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant.

Although the franchise tag means the Seahawks have almost exclusive negotiating rights with Trufant, it will not prevent them from entertaining trade offers.

Trufant finished the 2007 with 85 tackles, 15 passes defended and a career-high seven interceptions. He was also voted to his very first Pro Bowl.

As a franchise player, Trufant's one-year contract would be worth a little over $9.4 million.

Marcus Trufant Also on Giants' Radar originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 08:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marcus Trufant Must Be Worth an Awful Lot to the Seahawks

Tom Mantzouranis — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Seahawks, NFC West, Seattle

Teams don't just let great young corners walk away in free agency, so the Seahawks absolutely had to place the franchise tag on Marcus Trufant, one of the top three free agent cornerbacks this year. But the cost of retaining Trufant might extend beyond the hefty-as-is $9.5 million one-year deal franchised corners are getting this year (Trufant might want to break a piece of that deal off for Jim Mora, Jr., by the way).

The move places the Seahawks at right about the cap limit. But he wasn't their only important free agent; as a matter of fact, there are three more -- right tackle Sean Locklear, receiver D.J. Hackett, and kicker Josh Brown.

Not to say any of those three guys is as valuable individually as Trufant and, again, young Pro Bowl corners aren't easy to find. But as a collective that's a lot of talent to let walk away. Hackett is a young, emerging receiver with great size and hands. Locklear isn't a spectacular player, but he did start all 16 games last year on a team that has no depth behind him. And Brown, the Seahawks' franchised player last year, has proven to be one of the best kickers in the league despite the conditions he plays in.

The Seahawks could still negotiate a long-term deal with Trufant that frees up room to keep one or more of those guys. And even if not, it'll be easier to replace them than Trufant -- who they had no choice but to keep. But in a league where depth is so critical, the Seahawks are forced into a bad position with theirs.

Update: The Seahawks signed Locklear to a five-year extension, and, for some more detailed information on their salary cap situation, read commentor Peter's post below.

Marcus Trufant Must Be Worth an Awful Lot to the Seahawks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seahawks Could Sign Ex-Panther Mike Wahle

Michael David Smith — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, Seahawks, Charlotte, Seattle, NFL Free Agency, Carolina

The Seattle Seahawks are meeting with free agent guard Mike Wahle today, the Seattle Times and NFL Network are reporting. The 30-year-old Wahle started every game for the Panthers in 2007, but he was released by Carolina this week.

Wahle had a solid three seasons with the Panthers, but "solid" isn't really good enough to justify the huge free agent contract Carolina gave him to lure him away from Green Bay in 2005. At the time, the quick, athletic Wahle looked like one of the best guards in the league, and he hasn't been that in Carolina.

Still, for the Seahawks, Wahle would represent an upgrade. Rob Sims, who started all 16 games in 2007 at left guard, just isn't good enough, and the Seahawks' running game has suffered ever since the disastrous decision to let guard Steve Hutchinson walk after the 2005 season. Wahle isn't as good as Hutchinson, but he's better than Sims, and that means he'd be a good addition for the Seahawks.

Seahawks Could Sign Ex-Panther Mike Wahle originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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