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Thursday, April 17th, 2008
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 08:44:41 pm
Here is the story I just filed for The News Tribune: Seattle Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver will sign his one-year, $1.417 million tender offer today, according to his agent, Harold C. Lewis. Lewis said he had discussions with the Seahawks about a long-term contract, but he indicated the Seahawks were not willing to do that even though Weaver stepped into the starting role after Mack Strong suffered a career-ending injury in Pittsburgh on Oct. 7.
Categories: NFL free agency
• 11 comments
COMMENTS:
"he was very nearly released"
I think what the Seahawks need to see out of Leonard is consistency! He came to camp last year seemingly with the attitude that his making the team was already a forgone conclusion. He performed poorly and as stated, very nearly was released. Only when that scenario was presented did he begin to step it up to a higher level. I hope not but I think the 'Hawks are going to have to keep that carrot on a stick out in front of Leonard for him to chase and I wonder if a long term deal with guaranteed money would lessen his desire to work hard? I think that's what the front office is worried about with him.
ehhh, just because he struggled early last year I dont think it's because of any attitude that he "seemingly had". Its the NFL, he was still a very green player (yes, even though he had a little experience)....and I think it was just not being prepared enough and a lack of concentration.....a lot of players will suffer from slow starts, even key Pro Bowl players will do that....takes a while to get in your groove.
I agree with DSAHawker about Weaver needing more time to prepare for the NFL. I think that is in part because he played College ball at Carson-Newman. The guys coming out of big time schools have already spent 3-4 years figuring that sort of thing out.
this is a critical time for Leonard. He can decide that this year is the year he needs to prove to the team that he's ready to become a long term answer at Full Back for us or he can decide that the Seahawk's dissed him on the long term contract this year. What he decides will determine his fate for the rest of his NFL future.
BEFORE anyone tries to shout me down, I know what he is saying publicly. I also know what Futch said publicly about this same point in his career, too. I hope Leonard steps it up and I hope he really means that he wants his entire career in Seattle.
I agree in alot of ways with most of the other posts here.
I think Weaver has the potential to improve but I'm not completely sure that he'll ever be a real bulldozer of a full-back. By that I mean, he's more of a WCO fullback [can run pretty well for a guy his size, can block a bit, offers a nice receiving option out of the backfield] rather than primarily a really good run blocker. I think we really missed Mack Strong last year - I would even say he was worth an extra 0.5 yards on our per-run average. There is definitely a place for a guy like Leonard Weaver but it wouldn't surprise me if Ruskell/Holmgren/Mora made a point of looking for a viable alternative at fullback in the draft/undrafted free agents - - in fact, I really hope that they do.
I met LW at a football thing I took my sons to last year. He was terrific with the kids, and I didn't sense any sort of attitude from him at all. In fact quite the opposite! He really appears to be a very humble and unassuming guy, so my guess is he is going to grow into his role and make the most of this opportunity. It won't surprise me at all to see him become a key part of the Seahawks for years to come.
Another cog in the NFL's most expensive backlog of backup backs. Sixteen million of cap and still counting. Where is the feature back? Oh yeah, he is currently in some draft guru's wet dream. Maybe with enough backs, the Hawks can forego a proper OLine altogether.
I guess I "misspoke" myself when I used the term "attitude" because I have truly heard nothing but good things about Leonard's personality, attitude and that he is really a great person! I can live with lack of preparation/concentration. I hope whatever it is it becomes a thing of the past and we are able to watch this guy turn into a consistant force for the Seahawks on the football field!
Not to nitpick, but anyone who can read between the lines at all knows Leonard was never even close to "very nearly released." Holmgren tried to use comments to the press as a motivation tool (which did not work). He admitted as much later in the season. The sensationalism of the statement makes for intriguing reading, but it simply is not true.
What is more interesting is why Holmgren felt like he needed to call the guy out when he is one of, if not the hardest worker on the team. When he catches a ball in practice he sprints it 50 yards, through the end zone and to the east fence, then sprints back to the huddle. Other guys make a 5 yard football move and jog back to the huddle. My only guess is that Holmgren felt he responded to the "underdog" role so well his first season, that the comments would inspire him. Comments are not allowed from anonymous visitors. Please login or register to comment. |
Seahawks Insider
Frank Hughes took over the Seahawks beat and Seahawks Insider blog in July of 2007. Hughes covered the Sonics for The News Tribune from 1997-2007. Frank also contributes to ESPN.com, KJR-AM radio and Pro Sports Exchange. In 2005, Frank co-authored "Slick Watts's Tales from the Seattle SuperSonics." Frank lives in Seattle with his wife, two sons and yellow lab. News Tribune columnist Dave Boling and sports reporters Eric D. Williams, Ryan Divish and Darrin Beene also contribute to the Seahawks Insider blog. Category
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