This item on the NFL's official Web site suggests the Seahawks are one of three teams showing interest in Bears DE Alex Brown. The Seahawks generally keep between eight and 10 defensive linemen. Current ends Darryl Tapp, Bryce Fisher, Baraka Atkins and Patrick Kerney are expected to earn roster spots, as are tackles Marcus Tubbs, Chuck Darby, Brandon Mebane and Rocky Bernard. Craig Terrill, Russell Davis and Brandon Green would be leading candidates for those final two spots, assuming the team keeps 10 defensive linemen for a second consecutive season.

Brown has asked permission to seek a trade. He wants a new contract. The Seahawks and Bears discussed Brown's availability when Seattle was considering potential trades involving Darrell Jackson. I wouldn't necessarily read much into that, though. We would expect the Bears and Seahawks to speak frequently because their top personnel people -- Tim Ruskell in Seattle and Jerry Angelo in Chicago -- are close friends from their days together in Tampa Bay.

Former Seahawks CB Kelly Herndon visited the Detroit Lions after meeting with the Tennessee Titans, his agent told the Detroit Free Press. Herndon might be best suited to the nickel role if he can't find a starting job.

A thought: Jordan Babineaux's ability to play safety or corner could allow the Seahawks to save a roster spot in the secondary. Safeties would include Deon Grant, Brian Russell, Mike Green and Michael Boulware (assuming Green and Boulware are healthy). The corners would be Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings and Josh Wilson. Babineaux would fit into both groups, assuming he is also healthy. Green, Boulware and Babineaux are rehabbing from injuries.

Offensive lineman Floyd Womack is expected back for training camp after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgeries today, the Seahawks said. Doctors Ed Khalfayan and Lawrence Holland performed the arthroscopic procedure at the Seattle Surgery Center. Torn cartilage had been bothering Womack recently. These procedures (one on each knee) were designed to clear up the problem.

The Seahawks have finished their final minicamp practice of the week. They'll be back on the field Monday through Thursday next week. The rain let up, but it still felt like November out there. The team is practicing outdoors on grass. Its practice bubble is not up. These issues won't matter once the Seahawks move into their new facility in June 2008. They'll have an indoor facility for days when they want to get work done without bothering with the elements.

A few notes: Darryl Tapp, Chris Gray and Deion Branch continue to miss minicamp for family-related reasons. ... Special-teams coach Bruce DeHaven wore a microphone to bark out instructions during portions of practice. ... Voluntary camps can drag a bit when the weather is dreary and a three-day weekend awaits. And while Shaun Alexander has never been known as a great practice player, he seems to have quite a bit of energy and enthusiasm out there. He sprinted out of stretching exercises before the other running backs, claiming victory when he was the first to arrive for positional drills. ... Marcus Pollard said he likes this offense. He feels involved, and he agrees with Mike Holmgren's assessment on how many catches the veteran tight end might make this season (the coach estimated 40 or 50 without much trouble).

Steve Hutchinson, drafted 17th overall by Seattle in 2001, thinks the Vikings' offensive line will be much better in his second season with the team. Hutchinson assessed his own play as "pretty solid" in 2006 while allowing that it wasn't his best season.

Continuity accounts for so much of a line's effectiveness, as the Hawks demonstrated to extremes in 2005 and 2006. Seattle settled on Hutchinson's successor late last season.

Rob Sims showed promise as a rookie and will start in 2007 barring any surprises. Sims cannot match Hutchinson for raw talent or physical prowess, but the Hawks value him as an effective run blocker and a quick study with a strong desire to improve.