Seahawks Insider
where there is no offseason

Eric D. Williams took over the Seahawks beat and Seahawks Insider blog in December. Williams has covered the Seahawks, Sonics and high school sports for The News Tribune since joining the paper in 2006. Eric lives in Tacoma with his wife and two children.

Tacoma News Tribune columnist Dave Boling also contributes to the Seahawks Insider blog.

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Seahawks Insider
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:51:59 pm

Cornerback Ken Lucas, recently released by the Carolina Panthers, reportedly visited the Seattle Seahawks before taking a trip to Chicago on Monday, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune. Team sources confirmed Lucas’ visit to Seattle.

When Lucas was released by the Panthers earlier this month I said that he would be a good fit in Seattle because at 6-0, 205 pounds he’s a big, physical corner who would fit in nicely with Seattle’s change to more of a cover-2 scheme.

Lucas was drafted by Seattle in 2001 and got his start with the Seahawks before leaving in free agency to Carolina in 2005.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Monday, March 30th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:58:19 am

The National Football League announced its preseason schedule this morning, and it's no surprise that the Seattle Seahawks schedule includes all AFC West opponents.

The league typically tries to limit travel for its teams during the preseason, and the Seahawks usually do not play against NFC West divisional opponents during these exhibition contests, so that's why you see Seattle facing a steady diet of Oakland and San Diego during the preseason.

Here's Seattle's schedule.

=> Read more!

Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:39:54 am


Except for perhaps another free agent addition or two to fill out the roster along with the team’s draft selections, the Seahawks roster is in large part what it will look like when the team begins its first minicamp in April. So here’s another look at the team from each position heading into April. Seattle currently has 65 players on the roster, and has lost seven of its own players through free agency.

=> Read more!

Categories: Roster Analysis
Saturday, March 28th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 05:47:53 pm

Washington State receiver Brandon Gibson worked out for NFL scouts this afternoon at Chief Sealth High in West Seattle.

And he had a good showing, with scouts from at least 10 NFL teams looking on, including representatives from the Seattle Seahawks and ex-Seahawks executive Randy Mueller, now in the front office of the San Diego Chargers.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL Draft
Posted by Eric Williams @ 09:29:09 am

Ex-Seattle Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver is learning the hard way in how to deal with the Philadelphia media. Weaver said during an interview with the Philadelphia media that the Eagles were his second choice and he would have preferred to stay in Seattle.

He's been pretty consistent about saying that, so it's not a big deal, right? Wrong.

=> Read more!

Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 05:44:53 pm

The Seattle Seahawks put linebacker Aaron Curry through a private workout today at Wake Forest's athletic facility, according to Curry's agent Andy Ross.

“He (Curry) said everything went great,” Ross said. “He really got along with the coach well and really likes their system. He just looks forward to whatever team takes him to be a leader and an impact player.”

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL Draft
Posted by Eric Williams @ 12:25:55 pm

With a month left before this year’s draft will begin to shift our focus to what the Seattle Seahawks will do with their 10 draft picks in April. A lot has been said about the need for a future replacement for Matt Hasselbeck. Seahawks team president and general manager Tim Ruskell has said that Seattle is “in the zone” to pick a quarterback to develop for the future.

And there seems to be some question whether or not Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford will be available when Seattle picks at No. 4. The short answer, at least in my opinion, is Stafford will not be available and Detroit will select him with the No. 1 overall pick.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL Draft
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 12:56:59 pm

There’s been a lot of talk out in the ether about the Seattle Seahawks drafting a running back early in the draft. And I agree they could use some depth at running back.

Specifically, I think the Seahawks need a speed back – a guy who can break the big play and work in as a nice compliment to the hard-nosed running style of Julius Jones and bruiser T.J. Duckett.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL Draft
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 04:51:42 pm

I talked to ex-Seattle Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver for the first time since he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Weaver talked about his frustrations on not getting a deal done in Seattle.

Weaver also said that he believes the team announcing the head coaching change to Jim Mora from Mike Holmgren before last season began created in the locker room.

And he also wanted one last chance to thanks Seahawks fans for supporting him during his time in Seattle.

=> Read more!

Categories: Former Players, Interviews
Posted by Eric Williams @ 12:11:44 pm

The NFL announced today that league owners passed four player safety rules that will go into effect next season during meetings in California this week

The first is the elimination of blindside, helmet-to-helmet blocks.

According to the report, new rules state that the initial force of a blindside block can’t be delivered by a helmet, forearm or shoulder to an opponent’s head or neck. An illegal blindside block will bring a 15-yard penalty. Check out the block by Pittsburgh's Hines Ward on Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers and you'll understand what the owners are getting at here.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL Meetings
Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 06:58:38 pm

Due to net losses in free agency in 2008, the Seattle Seahawks picked up three compensatory picks in the seventh and final round. Seattle now has 10 picks overall, the most picks they have had as an organization since 2005. Here are the team’s picks for 2009. A list of compensatory picks for all teams can be found here.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL Draft
Posted by Eric Williams @ 04:55:46 pm

Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry went through his pro day today. He did not run or lift, standing on his impressive numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But he did work through positional drills, and did not disappoint.

Curry is reportedly scheduled to visit with the Seahawks on Thursday. View video from Curry’s workout here, and a report on Wake Forest’s pro day here.

Categories: NFL Draft
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:20:57 pm

In today’s press conference at the NFL ownership meetings in Dana Point, Calif., league commissioner Roger Goodell announced the national TV schedule for Week 1, along with the Thanksgiving Day games.

The defending Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, will open the season by hosting the Tennessee Titans in a Thursday night game on Sept. 10th. The Super Bowl champion has hosted the first regular season game since 2004.

=> Read more!

Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:18:50 am

I recently talked to Seattle Seahawks receiver Nate Burleson for a story I’m working on. Burleson says he’s ahead of schedule in terms of his rehabilitation from his ACL knee surgery in September, and believes he’ll come back from the injury even faster than before because of the emphasis in his rehabilitation on improving his leg strength. And he points to guys like Joey Galloway and Deion Branch as examples of players who have been able to regain their speed, and even improve on it, after surgery.

Burleson said he’s been running, lifting weights and running routes regularly at the team’s Renton practice facility. As far as his participation at Seattle’s first mini camp in April, Burleson is not sure how much he will be allowed to do during the camp.

“I’m going to leave that up to the trainers and the coaches,” he said. “They’ve got a great understanding of what time of the year it is. I’m going to be there because I can learn the playbook. So I’ll definitely be there to take mental reps.”

=> Read more!

Friday, March 20th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 12:42:01 pm

The Philadelphia Inquirer and ESPN's John Clayton are reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles have signed Leonard Weaver to a one-year deal, according to his agent Harold Lewis. Terms of deal have not been disclosed, but Clayton is reporting according to a source the deal will pay Weaver $1.75 million, but also has incentives that could sweeten the deal to $2.5 million.

Weaver had interest in his services from the Eagles, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Houston and Seattle. Philadelphia was rumored to have backed off last week, but pulled the trigger on a deal today.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:26:41 pm

Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports that Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford had an impressive workout at the University of Georgia’s pro day, solidifying his prospects as the No. 1 overall pick.

All 32 teams had representatives at the event, including Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, courtesy of ESPN’s Mike Sando.

Seattle could consider taking Stafford with the No. 4 overall pick as an eventual replacement for Matt Hasselbeck, should Stafford fall that far.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL Draft
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:51:45 pm

Well, T.J. Houshmandzadeh will get his No. 84 after all.
The Kansas City Chiefs announced today that they have signed free agent receiver Bobby Engram to a deal. Terms were not disclosed.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 12:57:26 pm

Seattle Seahawks free agent fullback Leonard Weaver appears close to making a decision on where he will play in 2009. Reports out of Minnesota and Tampa Bay indicate that Weaver is choosing between the Vikings, Bucs and Seattle.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Monday, March 16th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 03:24:50 pm

Seattle’s newest Seahawk, defensive lineman Cory Redding, talked to Seattle-area reporters today about joining his new team.

Redding, 28, said he was on the phone all day Saturday talking with team officials until he finally got the official word at 7:30 p.m.

"My first reaction was that I’m excited," Redding said. "It’s a good organization, a lot of history, and I’ve been watching them play for the past four, five, six years. I’m just excited to be there.”

The Seahawks dealt veteran linebacker Julian Peterson to Detroit for Redding and a fifth-round draft pick.

=> Read more!

Categories: Interviews
Sunday, March 15th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 09:50:51 am

A lot can happen when you’re traveling in the hinterlands of Northwest Canada. Thanks to Dave Boling and Ryan Divish for picking up the slack while I was on my sojourn to pick up our family’s new dog. It’s a black Russian terrier for those who have been asking (my wife’s selection, not mine), and her name is Bahee (again, not our choice of name, but we’re keeping it). She’s a good looking dog, and hopefully she’ll make herself at home here in Tacoma.

Seattle’s trade with Detroit obviously changes the personnel landscape of the Seahawks. Seattle gets $4.6 million in cap relief by trading a player they believe is on the downside of his productivity in Peterson, and get a serviceable role player back in defensive tackle Cory Redding, along with the fifth round draft choice they lost to the Denver Broncos in the Keary Colbert trade. The fifth rounder is an even better selection than their own pick would have been, because Detroit picks first in every round.

Peterson’s salary was due to jump from $3.5 million in 2008 to $6.5 million in 2009, and Seattle apparently balked at paying that much for Peterson’s services, who turns 31 in July and still plays at a reasonably high level. However, Peterson’s strength is rushing the passer, and the Seahawks apparently want Hill to fill that role next season.

=> Read more!

Saturday, March 14th, 2009
Posted by Ryan Divish @ 12:09:40 pm

Just got the release from the Seahawks, and I don't know if Eric is next to a computer to post this.

Peterson was dealt to Detroit for defensive tackle/end Cory Redding and an undisclosed draft pick.

UPDATE: Ok, I've figured out why Eric didn't have something posted on the trade earlier - he's out of the country. He's in Canada with his family. Apparently they are buying a new family dog since their passed away a few months back. So that's why this wasn't up sooner. The one day the guy picks to be away from his computer the Hawks trade J.P. to Detroit.

Here's the release ...

Seahawks Trade Linebacker to the Detroit Lions
Renton, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks have traded linebacker Julian Peterson to the Detroit Lions for defensive tackle/end Cory Redding and an undisclosed draft choice in next month’s NFL Draft.

Peterson signed with Seattle as an unrestricted free agent from San Francisco before the 2006 season. During his three years in Seattle, he started 47 of 48 games, collected 249 tackles (199 solo), 24.5 sacks, three interceptions and was named to the Pro Bowl after each season.

In his nine years in the NFL, Peterson has totaled 714 tackles (499 solo), 46 sacks, eight interceptions, 48 passes defensed, 15 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries.

“The entire Seahawks organization greatly appreciates the contribution that Julian has made to our football team and to this community,” said President Tim Ruskell. “He has exemplified the highest standards of excellence and character both on and off the field. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the Seahawks organization and we wish him well with his new team, the Detroit Lions.”

Redding was originally drafted by Detroit in the third round (66th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft and started 77 of 86 career games, collecting 306 tackles (204 solo), 16.0 sacks, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in his six seasons

“Cory Redding is a guy we’ve had our eye on for some time,” said Ruskell. “We liked him coming out of Texas because of his versatility to play inside and out and also because of the type of person he is. This gives us another big, physical presence along the defensive line and someone we can play at multiple positions.”

Posted by Eric Williams @ 07:16:38 am

First reported by KJR-AM's Dave Mahler and later confirmed by ESPN's Mike Sando, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Julian Peterson may soon be released by the team.

According to reports, the Seahawks asked Peterson to take a pay cut and he refused.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Friday, March 13th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 04:47:25 pm

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the Cleveland Browns have signed Seattle Seahawk free agent Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack to a undisclosed deal.

Womack signing elsewhere comes as a mild surprise, as the Seahawks liked his versatility, with his ability to play both guard and tackle.

And Womack is coming off of one of his best seasons for Seattle, starting 14 games last season. However, with Seattle recently re-signing Ray Willis, the team may feel OK about its depth at offensive line.

A fourth-round pick for Seattle in 2001, Womack started 47 of the 90 games he played with the Seahawks, and likely will play on the right side of the line for the Browns.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:07:06 am

Seattle Seahawks free agent fullback Leonard Weaver talked to KJR-AM’s Ian Furness Thursday evening about his current situation in free agency. Weaver said he wants to return to Seattle, but also is talking to other teams, including Philadelphia.

Weaver said he received an offer from Seattle but it was not what he expected.

A report from the Philadelphia Inquirer now says Weaver could be making a decision soon on whether he’ll sign with the Eagles or return to Seattle. Minnesota, according to a report from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, also is interested.

=> Read more!

Thursday, March 12th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 12:41:56 pm

According to Albert Breer of the Sporting News, the Jets have signed Seattle Seahawks free agent defensive tackle Howard Green to a one-year deal. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, according to the report.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:13:34 pm

In a salary-cap clearing measure, the Carolina Panthers released cornerback Ken Lucas today.

In four seasons with Carolina, Lucas started 49 games and had 13 interceptions.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 11:10:14 am

The Seattle Seahawks plan on switching to more of a zone blocking scheme heading into the 2009 season, so I thought it would be good to take a look at what the benefits are to switching to the zone blocking scheme, and how it will improve the team’s running game.

As far as I can tell from the research that I’ve done, zone blocking originated with longtime offensive line coach Alex Gibbs. He’s considered the father of the zone blocking scheme, first implementing the system while serving as the offensive line coach for the Denver Broncos.

=> Read more!

Posted by Eric Williams @ 09:56:06 am

Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles are interested in Seattle Seahawks free agent fullback Leonard Weaver, according to his agent Harold Lewis.

"We're still in talks with the Eagles, and with a few other teams," Lewis told the Daily News. "Hopefully, we're going to get something done [in Philadelphia], but it would be premature to tell you that."

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Monday, March 9th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 12:55:46 pm

Seattle's newest receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh will participate in a live chat in a few minutes at 1 p.m. on NFL.com

Here's the link.

UPDATE: T.J. also will be on the NFL Network's Total Access this evening at 4 p.m.

Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:36:12 am

Seattle wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was interviewed by KJR-AM’s Mitch Levy this morning, discussing his reasons for picking Seattle.

Not much new was revealed in the interview, but here’s a sample of what Houshmandzadeh had to say this morning.

=> Read more!

Categories: Interviews
Friday, March 6th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 08:30:21 pm

Adam Schefter of NFL.com is reporting that offensive tackle Ray Willis has re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks. The deal is for two years, but the amount of money has not been disclosed.
The deal has not been confirm by the Seahawks.

Willis, 26, is the first Seattle free agent re-signed by the team. He was drafted by Seattle out of Florida State in the the fourth round of the 2005 draft. Willis started 10 games for Seattle in 2008. And with Walter Jones (microfracture knee surgery), Mike Wahle (shoulder), Sean Locklear (toe) and Chris Spencer (back) all returning from he injured reserve list last season, Willis adds much-needed depth on the offensive line with his ability to play both tackle and guard.

Signing Willis also falls in line with the Seattle's philosophy this offseason of filling needs through free agency, thereby giving the team more flexibility entering the draft.

Willis took visits to Oakland and Washington, but apparently found the best deal back in Seattle.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 01:12:40 pm

Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post provides a good update on the Washington Redskins salary cap situation, which could influence whether or not they can sign another offensive lineman like Ray Willis.

Canfora says Washington has roughly $7 million under the salary cap. And they still have to sign other players to fill in depth, along with keeping about $3 million available to sign players when injuries occur during the season.

So it appears Washington might not have enough cap space to bring in an offensive lineman like Willis or Arizona free agent Elton Brown.

Willis visited Washington and Oakland. But the Raiders appear to be interested in offensive tackle Khalif Barnes, but the two sides are still far apart, according to the report. If the Raiders do sign Barnes, at the present time Willis’ options appear to be either in Washington or a return to Seattle.

Categories: NFL free agency
Thursday, March 5th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 04:25:43 pm

Looks like the Seattle Seahawks took a pass on Tampa Bay strong safety Jermaine Phillips, as he re-signed with his former club today after taking trips to Seattle and San Diego.

Tampa Bay also re-signed ex-Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:23:57 pm

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill spoke to KJR’s Ian Furness this afternoon, addressing several topics, including his transgression in Georgia two months ago, being franchised by Seattle and the Seahawks signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Hill again said he was sorry for the incident in Georgia.

=> Read more!

Categories: Interviews
Posted by Eric Williams @ 09:18:48 am

After speculation that Washington was interested in Seattle offensive tackle Ray Willis, the 26-year-old visited the Redskins on Wednesday, reports the Washington Times.

Willis has an obvious connection with Jim Zorn, the former Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach, now the head man in Washington.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 03:44:24 pm

Chicago Tribune reporter Vaughn McClure got an interesting response when the question was posed to Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo on why the Bears in need of receiver help, didn't pursue T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Angelo's comment seems to indicate that he believes the Seahawks overpaid for Hushmandzadeh's services.

Here's an excerpt.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Ryan Divish @ 11:36:18 am

Eric just called me and he's away from his computer, but he asked me to post that free agent strong safety Jermaine Phillips is visiting Seattle, today, according to team sources.

Phillips was in San Diego yesterday visiting with the Chargers, who are looking to add depth for a beleaguered secondary.

Phillips, 30, has been riddled by injuries over his career after being selected by the Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2002 draft. Last season he suffered a pair of broken arms and started just 11 games.

Since the 2002 season, Phillips has appeared in all 16 games of season just twice (2003 and 2006)

Posted by Eric Williams @ 11:08:12 am

Kurt Warner's trip to San Francisco apparently paid dividends, as ESPN's John Clayton is reporting the the Arizona Cardinals have re-signed the free agent quarterback. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but you had to expect Arizona would bring Warner back with the kind of year he had.

UPDATE: Adam Schefter of NFL.com is reporting that it's a two-year deal worth $23 million, including $19 million guaranteed.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:11:26 am

Day 5 finds some movement with the second-tier free agents, including quarterback Charlie Frye and offensive lineman Ray Willis visiting Oakland, and wide receiver Bobby Engram in Kansas City for a visit. Engram reportedly left Kansas City without a contract.

The Seahawks also reportedly have Jermaine Phillips coming in for a visit today, who Seattle GM Tim Ruskell drafted while in Tampa Bay. I’m still waiting to confirm that Phillips is in town.

Heading to Seattle

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Status: Agreed to a five-year, $40 million deal with Seattle. Introduced by the team on Tuesday.

DT Colin Cole
Status: Signed a five-year, $21.4 million deal to play in Seattle.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:24:48 pm
Seattle's newest receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh talks to reporters at the team's Renton facility.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh was everything the Seattle Seahawks want in a big-time free agent signee. He was well-spoken, confident, candid and direct during the 30 minutes or so he talked with reporters and other media members at the team’s practice facility.

And he also was accommodating, sticking around for several minutes afterward to do radio and TV spots. Here’s some of what we gleaned from talking to T.J. today.

Houshmandzadeh will wear No. 18, which may not be a good sign for Koren Robinson. Houshmandzadeh said he chose that number because it’s the same number he wore while playing at Oregon State and Cerritos College. Bobby Engram currently wears No. 84, which T.J. wore in Cincinnati. However, Houshmandzadeh said he doesn’t care what number he gets.
He also believes Seattle has one of the best receiving corps in the league now with his addition to the team.
He also believes Seattle has one of the best receiving corps in the league now with his addition to the team.

=> Read more!

Posted by Eric Williams @ 09:26:41 am

The Seattle Seahawks will have a press conference today at 11 a.m. presumably to announce the signing of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. I’ll post reactions from the press conference soon after along with the full transcript.

=> Read more!

Posted by Eric Williams @ 05:17:25 am

New Seattle defensive tackle Colin Cole talked with Seattle-area reporters about his decision to join the Seahawks Monday afternoon.

He said he was excited to come to Seattle and ready for an opportunity to start alongside defensive defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.

At 6-1, 330 pounds, Cole will be more of a run stuffer, and Mebane is expected to rush the passer more. Cole said he enjoyed his time in Green Bay, but decided to come to Seattle because he believed the Packers would not give him an opportunity to start.

=> Read more!

Posted by Eric Williams @ 04:55:40 am
Even in double coverage T.J. Houshmandzadeh can come up with the touch catch (Tony Overman/The Olympian).

One thing you know about T.J. Houshmandzadeh is he will get open, and once he’s open, catch the ball. At 6-1, 200 pounds, he's the big receiver the Seahawks have been looking for. He still has enough speed and quickness to create separation, yet he can use his body to shield defenders from the ball in tight situations, and has great ball skills.

A look at his numbers over the past four years proves his value as a possession receiver. Houshmandzadeh leads the league in receptions over he last four years with 372. That's right -- more than Larry Fitzgerald (368) and Steve Smith (351). Terrell Owens? Not in the conversation (262). Wes Welker? Hasn't done it for long enough (319). Hines Ward? Nope (295).

=> Read more!

Monday, March 2nd, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:45:17 pm

Multiple news sources are reporting that the Seattle Seahawks have signed free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a multi-year deal.

Houshmandzadeh reportedly is in Seattle, presumably to sign the contract. Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports the deal is five years for $40, with $15 million guaranteed.

Seattle, who signed defensive tackle Colin Cole to a five-year, $21.4 million deal on Sunday, now adds a veteran receiver to a group that struggled with injuries last season. The Seahawks had nine different starters and used 11 different receivers in the 2008 season.

Houshmandzadeh, 31, is known for his consistency. During his five years as a starter in Cincinnati, he averaged 89 receptions, over a thousand yards and seven touchdowns a season.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 11:18:09 am

Two different sources have speculated that T.J. Houshmandzadeh may ultimately wind up in Seattle. Houshmandzadeh's agent, Kennard McGuire, said his client will make a decision between Seattle, Minnesota and Cincinnati today.

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (thanks turboskylinegtr)says Houshmandzadeh could be headed to Seattle.

The word is he’s looking for $10 million per season and at least four years, which would take him until he’s 36. From what I hear Seattle is the favorite. Houshman … (man, I’m really tired of spelling that. So glad the Giants are out of the picture) … T.J. spent the night in Minnesota. I’ve heard if he leaves there he’s heading to Seattle with the intention to sign with the ‘Hawks.

ESPN's Michael Smith also said that he believes Seattle is the front runner at this point because of its proximity to the L.A. area compared to Minnesota and Cincinnati.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 08:53:13 am

Day 3 is done and T.J. Houshmandzadeh should be announcing where he will play anytime now. Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that, contrary to previous reports, Houshmandzadeh flew back last Sunday night to Los Angeles to talk the decision over with his family.

That would seem to bode well for Seattle. Considering his family is on the West Coast, he might want to remain out here as well. So I would think since he left Minnesota already that the decision may be coming down to Seattle and Cincinnati, with the Bengals offering more money and years right now.

Still no real feelers out there for Seattle fullback Leonard Weaver and offensive lineman Ray Willis. I thought both would have received more attention by now.

Heading to Seattle?

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Status: Flew back home to L.A. late Sunday night, and now will have to debate if he wants to return to Cincinnati, or move on with his career either in Seattle or Minnesota.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Sunday, March 1st, 2009
Posted by Eric Williams @ 05:25:27 pm

T.J. Houshmandzadeh's agent Kennard McGuire told reporters in Minnesota that the receiver will not make a decision until Monday.

That news could bode well for Seattle. However, it could just mean they're waiting to make the announcement at a press conference in Minnesota on Monday. We'll see.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 04:41:10 pm

The latest rumblings on when free agent receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh will decide where he'll play in 2009 is that might not happen until Monday, according to a report from the Cincinnati Bengals web site.. According to reports, Houshmandzadeh is still in Minnesota, where team officials there are doing their best to make sure he doesn't leave without signing a contract.

However, Seattle and Cincinnati remain in the running, as the 31-year-old receiver weighs which teams provides the best opportunity -- not only financially but success on the field as well.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:20:57 pm

Several news services are reporting that Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree will have surgery to repair a slight fracture in his left foot on March 4. That means he will not run on his scheduled pro day on March 26.

Here is Crabtree's statement.

"After thorough consideration and discussion with my advisors and doctors, I decided to have the surgery, rather than risk any further injury," Crabtree said in a statement Sunday. "As a competitor, I wanted to run at my pro day, but it became clear that the best thing for me is to have the surgery and be ready to get on the field as soon as possible."

Categories: NFL Draft
Posted by Eric Williams @ 02:10:36 pm

Free agent defensive end Chris Canty, a New York native, wanted to stay on the East Coast, and did so by signing with the New York Giants in a six-year, $42 million deal today, according to NFL.com. Seattle had been interested in coming to Seattle, but canceled a visit after Seattle signed Colin Cole.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 12:49:40 pm

Colin Cole reportedly signed a five-year, $21 million deal with $5 million guaranteed. Team sources confirmed the signing today.

And this apparently ends the pursuit of defensive end Chris Canty, who's agent reportedly has said he will cancel a scheduled trip to Seattle. Canty had been seeking a deal at $8 million per season, which is probably to steep for Seattle at this point.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 11:37:26 am

The Seattle Seahawks appeared to have inked their first free agent of the offseason. NFL.com is reporting that defensive tackle Colin Cole from Green Bay has signed a five-year deal with the team, picking Seattle over Tampa Bay and returning back to the Packers.

I'm still waiting for confirmation of the accord. We'll provide more details as we get them.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:32:42 am

Here's a report from the Tampa Tribune on an incident some of you may already heard about this morning.

Two NFL players are part of a four-person group who went fishing off he coast of Florida in a 21-foot fishing boat that left the area at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and did not return at its scheduled time later in the day.

The two players are Detroit Lions defensive end Corey Smith and Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper.

Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:22:44 am

According to a report from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is still in Minnesota touring the team's facilities and talking contract numbers.

Houshmandzadeh had dinner with team officials on Saturday.

Houshmandzadeh was reportedly scheduled to travel to Tampa Bay today, but with receiver Michael Clayton re-signing with the team and Antonio Bryant getting the franchise tag, it's unlikely he'll follow through with those plans.

Categories: NFL free agency
Posted by Eric Williams @ 10:10:55 am

Seattle Seahawks

TNT columnist Dave Boling reviews the Seahawks busy, free agent weekend, telling team officials to keep pumping gas in that seaplane.

Rob Rang of nfldraftscout.com talks with ESPN’s John Clayton on KJR 950 AM about the NFL draft. Rang says defensive tackle B.J. Raji has moved up the draft board with his 5.13 in the 40-yard dash and showing good quickness for his size in individual workouts, and now might be a possibility for Seattle at No. 4. Listen to Rang in this audio link.

Rang also says the top three picks are solidifying, with Matthew Stafford at No. 1 going to Detroit, Jason Smith going to the Rams at No. 2 and Aaron Curry going to the Chiefs at No. 3. Good stuff from Rob here, and worth a listen.

=> Read more!

Posted by Eric Williams @ 08:04:22 am

Day 2 is complete and still no free agent has been signed by Seattle. However, we may see some action with wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh expected to decide where he plans to play next season today, along with defensive tackle Colin Cole in town on Saturday and defensive end Chris Canty headed to town on Monday.

Heading to Seattle?

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Status: Visited with Minnesota on Saturday. There have been conflicting reports on whether or not he will visit Tampa Bay, but it seems he's not getting the deals that he wants, and expressed his frustration about that (from Pro Football Talk). With Houshmandzadeh being a West Coast guy, the Seahawks could sneak in the back door on this one.

=> Read more!

Categories: NFL free agency