Web Hosting by

SEAHAWKS 2006 FREE AGENCY PREVIEW

As the bitter stench of Super Bowl XL fades away (if only slightly), Seahawks fans must now turn their attention reluctantly to next year. Even though Super Bowl “losers” traditionally fade the following season, the Seahawks may be uniquely equipped to come back next year and match their 2005 13-3 record. The Seahawks remain exceptionally strong, balanced and deep, and if they can stave off injuries and few key defections they may find themselves in a position to be robbed by the refs in big game again next year. With $15.7 million in cap space as of Tuesday, it is not a question of if, but who the Seahawks will spend their money on. Let’s take our first look at just who the Seahawks should be spending their dough on between now and the draft. Note – OG Steve Hutchinson is omitted from this list since he’s a transition player and unlikely to change teams.

1. DT Rocky Bernard – Coming off a season in which he led the team in sacks from the DT position, Bernard is that rarest of birds – a Mike Holmgren draft pick that actually panned out. At 26, he’s just entering the prime years of his career and playing in a system that suits his talents. Teamed inside with Chuck Darby and Marcus Tubbs, Bernard is a cornerstone player for the future and must not be allowed to get away. It’ll probably take a bonus in the $7-7.5 million range to re-sign him, but it will be worth it.
    

2. WR Joe Jurevicius – Jurevicius had a huge year for the Seahawks, racking up 55 receptions for a 12.5 yard average and 10 TD’s. He’s invaluable as a 2 or 3 receiver after stepping in for Bobby Engram and Darrell Jackson at times this season. If the Seahawks lose him, they’ll be forced to add a veteran receiver in free agency. If they keep him, they can all but ignore WR on draft day and focus on adding more talent to their rising defense.
    

3. RB Shaun Alexander – What?! Alexander the Great is only #3 on this list? Well, yes. As terrific as he has been over what is shaping up to be a hall of fame career, the simple fact is that Alexander should not be the top priority for a couple of reasons. First, if he walks, there are plenty of other backs who can step in and fill his shoes admirably. Some (Edgerrin James) might even fit the Seahawks offense better because they can pass block and catch. Don’t get me wrong, Alexander is the NFL’s best pure runner and an amazingly productive player, but at 29, his demands (reported to be $80 million over 7 years with a $22 million dollar signing bonus) are hallucinatory. It would be hard to watch Alexander finish what should be a storied career elsewhere, but at his age, he’s not worth breaking the bank over. The Seahawks learned the hard way that you don’t pay a player for past service when they sank a big bonus into 30-year-old Michael Sinclair after a 16 sack season, only to see his talent fade away quickly. If he’ll take a contract averaging $5 million a year with a $10-12 million dollar signing bonus, he’d be worth it.
    
4. FS Marquand Manuel – After Ken Hamlin went down, Manuel stepped in and performed more than admirably. He’s a huge hitting safety that makes big plays, especially in the running game. His absence in the Super Bowl probably led to the Stealers two second half TD’s. A valuable back-up and part time starter.
    

SECOND TIER GUYS

These players are ones it would be nice to have back – and who would be smart to re-sign with the team with which they found a nice fit.

5. LB Kevin Bentley – Bentley was an excellent find for the Seahawks at outside LB. He played smart and was a key in covering Steve Smith in the NFC championship game. He wants to start, but finds himself behind DD Lewis in the depth chart. A solid guy whom it would be nice to have back.
    
6. TE Ryan Hannam – Hannam only had 13 receptions this year, but he’s a solid blocker and sure handed receiver. A valuable back-up at TE.
    
7. WR Peter Warrick – Warrick was never fully healthy until the post season, and he ripped off a terrific return against the Stealers which was (of course) called back on a phantom holding penalty. If the Seahawks insist on making Seneca Wallace a QB, than Warrick would be wise to take a low money deal to be a 4^th receiver and kick returner and cash in next season.
    

GUYS FROM OTHER TEAMS

After shoring up their own roster, the Seahawks can start contemplating some players from other teams to add to their roster before the draft. The fact is, if they sign most of the players listed above, they won’t really have any gaping holes to address. That means they probably look for second or third tier players who fit their scheme and new team chemistry.

DE Aaron Kampman Green Bay – He may not be the most athletically gifted DE around, but Kampman is a high effort guy who goes after the passer. Would look really good as the third DE along with Grant Wistrom and Bryce Fisher.

QB Chris Weinke, Carolina – Would give the Seahawks the smart, veteran back-up they need behind Hasselbeck and allow them to move Wallace into the Peter Warrick role at a much cheaper price.

 Home