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2002 Seahawks Free Agency
-- A First Look
This is Seahawk Boy’s first look at 2002 NFL Free Agency. In it we will analyze the Seahawks needs, assess the available free agents (as of this writing), and make recommendations for what our beloved Hawks should do.
OFFENSE
Quarterback – It’s no secret what SHB thinks of Matt Hasselbeck. He is not the real deal. With Trent Dilfer being allowed to leave despite his perfect record as a starter and his high QB rating, this position is a high off-season priority. The crop of FA QB’s is weaker than last year and Dilfer is the best of the lot anyway. Having said that, it is critical that the Hawks have a capable backup when Hasselbeck fails, which he will inevitably do. The best option appears to be former Husky Chris Chandler, who’s high cap number will see him waived by Atlanta. He will likely come fairly cheap, cap-wise. Chandler is capable and will no doubt be called upon somewhere between week 4 and week 8 to rescue the season. He should be ready and will possibly provide the needed difference to getting the Hawks in the playoffs. Another alternative might be Lions QB Charlie Batch. Batch will likely be cut loose by the Lions and is also available in a trade. A dark horse candidate, believe it or not, might be Bengals QB Jon Kitna, who could be cut loose if the Bengals get Dilfer in free agency. Kitna knows the offense, the personnel, and the coaching staff, and would be an ideal fit as "back-up."
Running Back – With Rickey Watters departing, Shaun Alexander inherits the starters job and looks ready. Jay Graham is the only real backup and this position will need an upgrade. One possibility is to look at a player like ex-Seahawk Lamar Smith as a backup, or find a capable player in middle rounds of the draft. Another option might be Packers RB Dorsey Levens, about to be released for cap reasons, and because he has lost his starting job to Pro Bowler Ahman Green. Where did the Packers get him again?
Other possible back-up prospects include Arizona's Michael Pittman, Chicago's James Allen, or Detroit's James Stewart, when he is released.
Full Back – Keeping FA Mack Strong, the best blocking fullback in football, is a priority, especially since last year’s third round pick, Heath Evans, looks like a bust.
TE – The Seahawks may need 2 at this position, one in the draft, one in free agency. The Hawks could solve most of their needs by signing free agent Byron Chamberlain from the Vikings to start, and re-signing Itula Milli as a backup. Chamberlain had a breakout year, with 54 receptions for 645 yards and 3 TD's. Mike Holmgren is said to be considering taking Miami's Jeremy Shocky or Colorado's Dan Graham with his first round pick, but it is foolish to spend your first round pick on a pass catcher when your QB can't throw accurately. And in any event, it is hard to see a rookie putting up better numbers than Chamberlain did last year (Tony Gonzalez didn't as a rookie). Chamberlain could also probably be had for less than the $6.5 million or so the Seahawks would have to spend on the 20th player taken in the draft. Christian Fauria is leaning towards retirement. Recent cutdown victims Ken Dilger and Shannon Sharpe would also be an upgrade over Fauria or Milli.
WR – The Hawks have a good crop of receivers, especially with the late season breakout games by James Williams. Just don’t forget that the QB in those games was Dilfer. With Williams, Darrell Jackson, Koren Robinson, and Alex Bannister, the Hawks have a quartet of talented young guys. Keeping FA Bobby Engram around as a stabilizing force would be wise, plus he can return kicks, and will be needed since Charlie Rogers was lost to Houston in the expansion draft. The only possible upgrade here would be adding a player like Az Hakim as a kick returner/WR.
OL – The OL is pretty well set for once with Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson, Robbie Tobeck, Chris Gray and Chris McIntosh. Jones is a UFA, but he's not going anywhere. If the Seahawks can't come to terms on a long term deal, they'll place the franchise tag on him. Starting RT Todd Weiner will probably be allowed to leave as a free agent. SHB believes he should be retained, with Floyd Womack and Floyd Wedderburn as backups. It is McIntosh who should be given his marching orders in return for a high draft pick, say a second rounder. The team would take a substantial cap hit, but why take a chance on McIntosh when Weiner shut out Michael Strahan and Marcellus Wiley without not a lot of help? Weiner has earned the job, and McIntosh has trade value.
K – Kickers may not win you many games, but they sure can cost you a few. Remember the Miami game? Rian Lindell is a disaster waiting to happen. Three words: Adam Vinatieri, please. Denver's Jason Elam would also be an upgrade.
DEFENSE
DL – This unit is the most under-serviced on the team. Chad Eaton and John Randle were good pick ups last year in FA and Antonio Cochran was a find towards the end of the season. Lamar King is a bust. A pass-rushing DE should be the top Hawk priority and there is one available, Leonard Little of the Rams. Likely though, Holmgren the GM will decide not to spend big money on a defensive player.
LB – The LB unit is solid, though it appeared to wear down over the season. There are no FA signings needed here and none are anticipated. Seahawks could look to pick up a late bargain signing at middle linebacker if London Fletcher or Jeremiah Trotter price themselves out of the early market. Tampa's Jamie Duncan and Minnesota's Kailee Wong would also be an upgrade over Levon Kirkland.
Safety – This unit is in big trouble. Reggie Tongue has been a waste of money and Marcus Robinson was a disappointment last year. Since Holmgren seems determined to take a TE in the draft, a FA safety is a necessity. Fortunately there is an outstanding player at this position with Northwest ties. Tony Parrish of the Bears is a former Husky and could give the defense the bite it needs in the secondary. But will Holmgren spend the money?
Cornerback – Another unit in shambles. Holmgren has tried Fred Vinson, Ike Charlton, and Ken Lucas in an effort to upgrade from Willie Williams, but none of them are up to the task. That amounts to expending three 2nd round picks in two years on one position. And I won’t even mention that Vinson ended up costing the Seahawks a Pro Bowl running back to boot (whoops, I just did). Unfortunately, with the exception of Baltimore’s Duane Starks, there just aren’t any good corners out there, and I doubt Holmgren will spend the big money on two DB’s. Lucas has a chance to be a player, but count on Williams starting again next year. Might be some 30-something veterans available after cap cut-downs.
Strategy - The Seahawks best strategy would be to spend the lions share of their $12 million or so of cap space on Jones and Dilfer. Then locking down Strong and Cochran for at least 2-3 years would solidify two need areas. With whatever money is left, an impact defensive player would be a priority, and a player like Parrish could really bolster the secondary. Anything left could be aimed at Chamberlain, who already has the skills they Seahawks hope that Graham or Shocky have.
-- SHB
