Rumors
Seahawks Prepared to Cut Ties with T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Whether he is traded or released, T.J. Houshmandzadeh will no longer be a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks are prepared to move forward without Housh:
The Seattle Seahawks will cut ties with T.J. Houshmandzadeh by trading or releasing him, according to two league sources, and it will promote former Detroit first-round draft pick Mike Williams into its starting lineup for a Sept. 12 game against San Francisco.
A trade would obviously be the most preferable option for the Seahawks. By trading Houshmandzadeh, the Seahawks would not only receive compensation – albeit minimal – they would also be able to dump his large contract on another franchise.
But Houshmandzadeh’s contract, signed last year while Tim Ruskell was making decisions, makes a trade unlikely. Houshmandzadeh is guaranteed over $7 million in 2010 and has four years remaining on his original five-year deal.
By releasing Housh, the Seahawks would be on the hook for his guaranteed 2010 salary. Even though Paul Allen’s pockets seem bottomless, $7+ million is a lot to pay a player who isn’t on the team.
In addition to Houshmandzadeh’s guaranteed salary in 2010, Schefter says his contract includes offset language that makes Seattle liable to pay whatever a new team doesn’t:
So if Houshmandzadeh were to sign a veteran minimum deal of $850,000, the Seahawks would be liable for the remaining $6.15 million balance.
Seattle signed Houshmandzadeh to a five-year, $40 million contract last offseason, and Seattle will wind up having paid him $15 million for his one season with the Seahawks.
If the Seahawks are unable to generate a deal, Houshmandzadeh will be able to pick a new team of his choice. And whatever team he chooses will be getting one hell of a bargain, courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks and Paul Allen’s wallet.
By moving on without T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the front office is sending a clear message that their plans are to rebuild for future success. Seattle’s younger players will definitely play a prominent role this season.
With Tim Ruskell gone, none of his former acquisitions are safe. This is John Schneider’s (and Pete Carroll’s) team and only “their” players are protected.
“Sometimes you get a feeling when you’re that stepchild,” Josh Wilson told reporters following his trade to Baltimore. “You have feelings for your stepkids, you want to take care of them, but you don’t care of them like your own kids.”
T.J. Houshmandzadeh was Tim Ruskell’s big-time acquisition, and John Schneider is prepared to move on without him.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Adam Schefter, contract, football, John Schneider, Mike Williams, National Football League, nfl, Paul Allen, Pete Carroll, rumor, Rumors, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Tim Ruskell, trade, wide receiver
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh Out, Vincent Jackson In?
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune has an interesting report regard the T.J. Houshmandzadeh trade rumors. Of course, the Minnesota Vikings were the losers – or winners, I suppose – of the Houshmandzadeh sweepstakes last year but could have a shot at landing him if he becomes available.
Besides considering a “second shot” at acquiring Houshmandzadeh, Judd Zulgad, who wrote the article, mentions that the Seahawks could be looking to create room for another big-contract player: Vincent Jackson.
The Seahawks have been rumored to have serious interest in acquiring Jackson from the San Diego Chargers, but the price of compensating San Diego and a new contract may be too high.
From Zulgad’s article:
Now it appears the Vikings could have another shot at Houshmandzadeh – if they are interested. The Seahawks are actively shopping Houshmandzadeh, according to NFL sources. The story was first reported this afternoon by Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network.
Seattle is believed to be trying to unload Houshmandzadeh because it would like an opportunity to clear salary cap space to potentially add disgruntled San Diego wide receiver Vincent Jackson in a trade. Houshmandzadeh is due to make $7 million plus guaranteed this coming season.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: football, John Schneider, Minnesota Vikings, nfl, Pete Carroll, Rumors, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, trade, trade rumors, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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Seattle Seahawks Trying to Move T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Earlier this week, Brock Huard of 710 ESPN in Seattle discussed T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s future in Seattle. Huard pointed out that Houshmandzadeh may not fit in Seattle’s plans and could possibly be cut when the team trims down to 53 players this weekend.
According to Huard, Houshmandzadeh is a better fit as a slot receiver. Houshmandzadeh, however, may not be willing to accept a lesser role with the Seahawks. If his attitude becomes problematic and he doesn’t fit into future plans, the Seahawks might actually benefit from cutting him.
Last year, Houshmandzadeh signed a five-year deal, $40 million contract with the Seahawks. It wasn’t John Schneider’s deal, but the team still has a lot invested in Houshmandzadeh. Cutting him seems pointless, especially considering he is guaranteed more than $7 million in 2010.
Houshmandzadeh may be a better fit in the slot, but he was still Seattle’s most productive receiver in 2009. Though his statistics weren’t Pro Bowl worthy, Housh did catch 79 passes for 911 yards.
If the Seahawks cut Houshmandzadeh, they would be on the hook for a ton of money and lose their most productive receiver from the previous season. Planning for the future is okay, but dumping Houshmandzadeh without compensation seems foolish.
Today, several sources have reported the Seahawks are actively shopping Houshmandzadeh. They’re only rumors now, but a trade makes sense for Seattle if they’re looking to move forward without T.J.
From Jason La Canfora, who first reported the rumor via Twitter:
SEA trying to move TJ Houshmandzadeh, but unlikely anyone takes him on. WR due to make $7M-plus guaranteed in ‘10. He’s available, though.
A trade would definitely be preferable. But as La Canfora points out, there aren’t many teams who would be willing to deal for him – especially if the Seahawks are seriously considering cutting him.
T.J. is 32 years old and his salary is guaranteed in 2010. The Seahawks will be hard-pressed to find a trading partner; youth is always preferred around the league, and most teams will stay away from large, guaranteed contracts.
If Houshmandzadeh can remain a productive component of Seattle’s offense, the Seahawks should probably just retain him. John Schneider and Pete Carroll are obviously not fans of step children, but it would be too difficult to move every acquisition from the Tim Ruskell era.
If the Seahawks part ways with Housh, the team is sending a clear sign they’re planning to win tomorrow instead of today.
It has already been a busy week for the Seahawks and the rumors continue piling up. Pay attention; the next few days could be very interesting.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Brock Huard, contract, football, Jason La Canfora, John Schneider, National Football League, nfl, Pete Carroll, Rumors, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, trade, trade rumors, wide receiver
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Vincent Jackson’s Trade Value Dropping?
Jason La Canfora of NFL.com wrote an interesting article yesterday that explained Vincent Jackson’s roster-exempt status, a designation given by the San Diego Chargers last week.
Vincent Jackson is already facing a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, but could miss up to three more games from being placed on the roster-exempt list. According to La Canfora, Jackson could miss as few as three weeks or as many as six, depending on any potential trade.
From La Canfora at NFL.com:
According to an NFL spokesperson, if Jackson was traded and reported to his new club before the Sept. 4 deadline for final roster reduction, then his roster-exempt suspension would be served concurrently with the league-mandated suspension, and therefore Jackson could return to the active roster for Week 4.
If Vincent Jackson isn’t traded before the 6 p.m. (ET) roster deadline on Sept. 4, he faces missing six games this season even if he’s dealt after that.
In other words, if the Seahawks were to acquire Jackson before September 4th, he could return to the active roster for Week 4. If the Seahawks trade for Jackson after the deadline, he won’t return to the active roster until Week 7.
Coincidentally, the Seahawks face the Chargers in the third week in the regular season. If Seattle deals for Jackson, he won’t be able to face his former team regardless of when the trade occurs.
Jackson’s roster-exempt status, assuming he will eventually be traded to another team, should have an effect on his trade value. The difference between missing three or six games may seem minor in long-term planning, but Jackson’s short-term trade value could take a hit.
Assuming the team acquiring Jackson will reward him with a massive, multi-year contract, the suspension in 2010 should seem quite insignificant. Especially for a team like Seattle, who is focused on rebuilding and long-term success.
If Seattle is serious about acquiring Vincent Jackson, would they be wise to wait until after the deadline?
Santonio Holmes, the 2009 Super Bowl MVP, was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. After the suspension was announced, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets for a fifth-round draft pick.
Holmes, a former first-round pick and only 26 years old, was probably a steal for the New York Jets. Like Vincent Jackson, Holmes’ trade value was lowered by off-field issues and league-mandated suspensions.
Jackson is probably a more accomplished, better receiver, but lowered value is good news for any team looking to acquire him.
Brandon Marshall, whose size, production, and talent are probably more comparable to Jackson than Holmes, was acquired for two second-round draft picks in consecutive years. But Marshall was not facing a suspension and was only traded because of his disgruntled attitude in Denver.
Jackson’s pending suspension is a minor, yet interesting development for anyone following the story closely. Obviously, anyone in Seattle is hoping that he can be had for a bargain price; I wouldn’t expect A.J. Smith to undersell his assets, but a new three-game suspension definitely won’t increase Jackson’s value.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: A.J. Smith, Brandon Marshall, football, John Schneider, National Football League, nfl, Pete Carroll, Roster Exempt List, Rumors, San Diego Chargers, Santonio Holmes, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, suspension, trade, vincent jackson
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San Diego’s Randy Mueller Scouting Prospects in Seattle
A few days ago, it was reported that the Seattle Seahawks were given permission to discuss contract terms with wide receiver Vincent Jackson. While this news is promising for anyone hoping to see Vincent Jackson in Seattle, it does not mean a trade is imminent.
In fact, several additional reports have stated that the Seahawks have barely begun serious talks with Jackson’s agents. And without knowing Vincent Jackson’s demands, the Seahawks haven’t even started serious discussions about compensation with the San Diego Chargers.
Vincent Jackson has been compared by many to Brandon Marshall, who cost the Miami Dolphins a pair of second-round picks in consecutive drafts. Many people assumed the Chargers would demand similar compensation, requiring a package of early-round draft picks to move their talented wide receiver.
The Chargers, however, may be looking at a package that includes players rather than only draft picks.
According to Greg A. Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Randy Mueller was in Seattle to watch last night’s exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers. Mueller is the assistant general manager in San Diego, and his presence has fueled trade rumors and speculation. Bedard also reported that Mueller was in town to scout prospects for a possible Vincent Jackson trade.
It is uncertain what players Mueller had his eyes on last night, but don’t convince yourself he was looking at Deion Branch or another expendable player. Vincent Jackson is a real playmaker and I’m sure the Chargers want real value if they’re going to trade him.
Executing a trade that includes only players may be easier for Seattle; parting with multiple early-round picks could be devastating for a team focused on long-term success. Then again, without knowing San Diego’s exact demands, it is difficult to say what sort of package would be preferable.
What if San Diego wanted a package that included some of Seattle’s young talent? Like linebacker Aaron Curry or cornerback Josh Wilson? One would have the assume the front office wouldn’t move players like that, but is anyone untouchable after so much roster turnover this offseason?
In a perfect scenario, Seattle could acquire Vincent Jackson for some older, expendable players. Deion Branch and his contract are most certainly disposable; hopefully Randy Mueller was impressed with Branch’s touchdown catch last night.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Aaron Curry, Brandon Marshall, contract, Deion Branch, football, Green Bay Packers, nfl, preseason, Randy Mueller, Rumors, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, trade, vincent jackson
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Russell Okung, Seahawks Are “Not Even Close”
Russell Okung is expected to start at left tackle this season for the Seattle Seahawks.
Okung isn’t just any starting left tackle; he is responsible for filling at least some of the void created when Walter Jones retired following last season.
No one anticipates Okung will be the next Walter Jones – there will never be another player like him – but expectations are high following Seattle’s steep investment.
Okung, however, remains unsigned. And unlike Walter Jones, time lost in training camp could deter his development as a professional football player. Ideally, as a rookie, you’d like to see him in camp from day one.
Unfortunately, rookie salaries are a huge problem. It is becoming increasingly difficult to sign higher draft picks before training camp opens, and rookies reporting late is a dilemma faced by teams around the league.
And even more unfortunate is the reported news that Russell Okung and the Seattle Seahawks are “not even close” on a contract.
Apparently, Okung wants to exceed the contract given to Eric Berry, who was picked one spot higher last April. Since rookie contracts are typically slotted, the Seahawks are unlikely to give him a contract larger than Berry’s.
On Friday, Berry signed a six-year deal with a maximum value of $60 million with $34 million guaranteed. He is the highest paid safety in the National Football League even though he has never played a single down in the regular season.
Safeties, however, typically earn less than offensive tackles. And since Okung is expected to play the premier left tackle position, it is reasonable for him to want more than a safety. The Seahawks probably won’t budge.
Everyone wants Okung in camp, but I doubt the Seahawks will pay him more than Berry. With the players selected before and after Okung signed, you’d think contract negotiations would be a lot easier.
We haven’t even considered whether Okung and the Seattle Seahawks are looking at a five- or six-year deal. Whatever is on the table right now is unknown.
Fans can only hope whatever is on the table is close to being finished.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: contract, Eric Berry, football, National Football League, nfl, NFL Draft, Offensive Tackle, rookie, Rumors, Russell Okung, safety, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, training camp, Walter Jones
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San Diego Chargers Willing to Trade Vincent Jackson
It could be time to start thinking about Vincent Jackson again.
While I don’t think it will – or should – happen, the Seahawks have shown interest in acquiring Jackson this offseason. And the Chargers, who were originally opposed to dealing their productive receiver, have apparently opened up to the idea of a trade.
The Chargers are facing tough personnel decisions with offensive tackle Marcus McNeil, Jackson, and perhaps linebacker Shawne Merriman becoming holdouts. Merriman should be a little easier to deal with, but McNeil and Jackson could become ugly holdouts that last well into the regular season.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith recently said he might be willing to trade Vincent Jackson, but Marcus McNeil probably isn’t going anywhere.
It is definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on; the rumor mill identifies Seattle as one of San Diego’s likely trading partners (probably because of an admitted interest in acquiring Jackson). But what franchise, if the price is right, wouldn’t want to add a Pro Bowl talent to its roster?
The Seahawks were interested in trading for Brandon Marshall earlier this offseason. They were linked to T.O. rumors before head coach Pete Carroll abruptly shot them down. They invested a second-round pick in the NFL Draft on Golden Tate, a talented prospect out of Notre Dame.
It seems obvious the franchise would like to upgrade its group of wide receivers. But at what cost?
To acquire Brandon Marshall, the Miami Dolphins sent two second-round picks to Denver and rewarded the disgruntled wide receiver a huge, new contract. But Miami is a possible contender, and the Seahawks are clearly rebuilding.
Parting with second-round picks in consecutive years would be counterproductive for a rebuilding team; spending cash on skilled positions is pointless when you’re thin in the trenches. A rebuilding team needs to focus on acquiring as much young talent as possible, and in my opinion, should build from the inside-out.
I don’t think the San Diego Chargers want to get rid of their Pro Bowl talent. They’d probably prefer to retain Vincent Jackson and other potential holdouts.
But if A.J. Smith is willing to deal Jackson, don’t expect the price tag to be any cheaper than Brandon Marshall’s.
If Smith was able to play the market and receive compensation greater than the tender for Charlie Whitehurst, do you really think he’ll except anything less than what Jackson is worth? Jackson isn’t as productive as Marshall, but their value should be similar in a trade.
If Vincent Jackson is available, would you want the Seattle Seahawks to pursue him? And at what cost?
Now that the Chargers are reportedly willing to at least consider trading Jackson, expect the rumors to pick up steam again. And for no other reason than previous interest, the Seahawks will probably be the first team mentioned.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Brandon Marshall, Charlie Whitehurst, football, Golden Tate, holdout, Marcus McNeil, Miami Dolphins, nfl, Pete Carroll, Pro Bowl, Rumors, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Terrell Owens, trade, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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Did the Arizona Cardinals Try to Acquire Matt Hasselbeck?
Earlier this week, Steve Kelley from the Seattle Times mentioned an interesting hypothetical during an interview on a Seattle radio station.
While discussing Seattle’s quarterback situation, Kelley admitted he lacks confidence. He doesn’t believe Matt Hasselbeck can stay healthy for an entire season, and he doubts Charlie Whitehurst’s potential as an NFL starter.
According to Kelley, we’re closer to the end of the Hasselbeck era in Seattle than most think. He believes Whitehurst will become Seattle’s starting quarterback this season when Hasselbeck suffers some sort of injury.
And once Whitehurst takes the job, Kelley thinks there will be no turning back. Hasselbeck’s days will be numbered.
Most of you probably agree with Kelley. You may not be optimistic, but you’re assuming everything will pan out in a similar fashion.
At one point during the segment, Kelley mentioned something interesting about Hasselbeck. Trying to support his opinion that the end of Hasselbeck is near, he mentioned a possible trade scenario between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.
The trade scenario, which is most likely only hypothetical, has Matt Hasselbeck going to Arizona in exchange for Matt Leinart.
“I think they went after Matt Hasselbeck and offered Matt Leinart in return. I think that trade was discussed. And I don’t know who turned it down,” Kelley said earlier this week. “I have a feeling that maybe the Seahawks were shopping Matt Hasselbeck. That’s just a guess, I don’t know.”
Of course, feelings are a lot different than confirmed sources. And later in the interview Steve Kelley admitted that it isn’t something he would have written; a rumormonger on radio is more acceptable than a fraud in print.
But what if any part of this hypothetical deal is true? What if the Seahawks were shopping Matt Hasselbeck? And what if the Arizona Cardinals offered Matt Leinart?
On the surface, the deal makes some sense.
Matt Hasselbeck is a veteran quarterback who can still win with talent around him. Kurt Warner just retired and Arizona doesn’t have a proven starter at quarterback without him. With Matt Hasselbeck in Arizona, the Cardinals might have enough to make another run at the postseason.
The Seahawks are rebuilding, and Matt Hasselbeck is probably finished after this season. If the team is committed to the future, then Hasselbeck isn’t the answer. And Matt Leinart, although unproven, did play for Pete Carroll at Southern California.
Without confirmed reports, however, it is just another fun rumor to talk about.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Charlie Whitehurst, football, John Schneider, Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Leinart, nfl, Pete Carroll, quarterback, rumor, Rumors, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Times, Steve Kelley, trade
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The Seahawks Won’t Sign Terrell Owens
It seemed like the T.O.-to-Seattle rumors would never die. Not until he signed with another team, at least.
Last month, general manager John Schneider said the team was not actively pursuing Terrell Owens. Confident in their current receivers, Schneider said T.O. would only be a consideration under drastic circumstances.
But the Seahawks remained a possible destination in the rumor mill.
John Clayton of ESPN.com wrote earlier this week that if T.J. Houshmandzadeh or Deion Branch take a step backward with their health, the first call will be to Terrell Owens. According the Clayton, Owens remains on Seattle’s radar in case of emergency.
The rumors continued. This offseason, the Seahawks failed to land a premier wide receiver like Brandon Marshall or Vincent Jackson. No one considers Terrell Owens an elite receiver anymore, but the Seahawks seemed desperate for help. Rumormongers claimed Owens wouldn’t be the answer, but a suitable alternate for a desperate football team.
According to Adam Schefter via Twitter, Drew Rosenhaus (Owens’ agent) is very confident Terrell Owens will have a new deal within weeks. We have heard this nonsense from Rosenhaus before, but this statement put Seattle fans on high alert.
Could Terrell Owens be close to a deal with Seattle? Are the rumors true?
Will the same receiver who stole Seattle’s spotlight on Monday Night Football in 2002 return to Qwest Field as a Seahawk?
No. And barring drastic circumstances, this rumor is dead.
Yesterday on 710 ESPN in Seattle, Pete Carroll said the Seahawks would not sign Terrell Owens. Carroll likes Owens, but the Seahawks are apparently comfortable with their current group of wide receivers.
Citing confidence in the experienced receivers and eagerness to develop younger players, Carroll confidently shot down the T.O.-to-Seattle rumor.
“That’s not the right guy for us at this time,” Carroll said on the Kevin Calabro show yesterday.
Crazier, more unexpected things have happened, but don’t expect Terrell Owens to sign with the Seattle Seahawks.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Brandon Marshall, Deion Branch, Drew Rosenhaus, football, John Schneider, nfl, Pete Carroll, Rumors, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, T.O., Terrell Owens, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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Albert Haynesworth Continues to Make Himself Undesirable
An athlete of Albert Haynesworth’s caliber is exactly what the Seattle Seahawks need.
A three-technique defensive tackle capable of attacking and penetrating would immediately improve a defensive line that struggled to generate pressure last season. Every team in the National Football League covets a disruptive force in the trenches; productive, talented interior linemen are a dime a dozen.
We’ve explored these rumors before. As fans, we contemplated gambling on the disgruntled Haynesworth to improve a defensive line desperately needing assistance.
The more I think about it, however, the more I want the Seahawks to leave Haynesworth alone.
Everyone knows what Haynesworth is capable of doing. When he wants to be, Haynesworth can be one of the best defensive linemen in the league.
The problem is Haynesworth doesn’t always want to be.
The new coaching staff in Seattle desires hard work and determination. They want winners; players who want to win and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
Hell, Pete Carroll’s new book, “Win Forever,” talks about maximizing your potential in every aspect of life. Carroll wants his players to live, work, and play like champions.
We’ll see if Carroll’s magic can finally bring a Lombardi trophy to the Pacific Northwest, but that debate is for another day. As a lifelong Seahawks fan, I’m not going to hold my breath.
Albert Haynesworth is not a player who epitomizes the philosophy encouraged by Pete Carroll the Seattle Seahawks. I hate to characterize Haynesworth as selfish, but he hasn’t done much to make anyone think otherwise.
I don’t want the best players who don’t care about their potential. Give me a group of average players who strive for perfection and I’ll be a satisfied fan.
According to Don Banks from SI.com, Haynesworth’s latest tantrum proves he is more than disgruntled in Washington. Haynesworth has reportedly lost close to 20 pounds – not for any reason other than to decrease his value as a nose tackle in Washington’s defense.
I understand Haynesworth’s frustration. But to sacrifice your value and potential as a professional athlete just to get your way is anything but unselfish. The Washington Redskins have quite the dilemma on their hands, and I don’t want the Seattle Seahawks to inherit any part of it.
You know there is something wrong when Jim Schwartz, the current head coach of the Detroit Lions, doesn’t endorse acquiring Haynesworth. Schwartz was the defensive coordinator in Tennessee when Haynesworth was disruptive as any interior lineman around the league.
Detroit has internally discussed trading for Haynesworth, but the team apparently has serious concerns about how such an acquisition could impact first-round draft pick Ndamukong Suh. “Even though Suh is his own man, we don’t want any negative influences around him,” a team source told reporters earlier this month.
You know there is something wrong when Haynesworth’s own teammates in Washington call him out. “Albert made a very selfish decision,” linebacker London Fletcher told reporters, referring to Haynesworth skipping a mandatory minicamp last month. “When you decide to play a team sport, you have to look at it and think about everybody involved in the situation. This is not golf, tennis, things like that, where it’s an all-about-you sport. What he’s decided to do is make a decision based on all-about him.”
As previously mentioned, we’ve explored the possibility of Haynesworth coming to Seattle before.
I fantasized about acquiring a talented, disruptive force like Haynesworth and watching him terrorize opposing offenses in the trenches.
But even if Haynesworth is available, I don’t want him.
Even if Haynesworth can be had for a bargain, I don’t want him.
The headache isn’t worth it. Early in Haynesworth’s career, he was considered an overweight underachiever. Just because he would be a three-technique defensive tackle in Seattle, there is no guarantee the tantrums will stop.
Don Banks of SI.com probably best described the potential for teams willing to trade for Haynesworth: “The list of 4-3 defensive teams interested in taking on a selfish act like Haynesworth has to be short.”
Hopefully Seattle isn’t on that short list.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: 3-4 defense, 4-3 defensive, Albert Haynesworth, defensive tackle, Detroit Lions, football, Jim Schwartz, London Fletcher, Ndamukong Suh, nfl, nose tackle, Opinion, Pete Carroll, Rumors, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, three technique, Washington Redskins, Win Forever
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Pete Carroll Talks Albert Haynesworth, Nearly Violates Tampering Rules
I don’t care much for the Trojans.
My allegiance to Washington football makes it impossible for me to root for good things to happen in Southern California. Because of my passion, I have spent most of the last decade rooting against Pete Carroll.
Now that he is the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, I think I have developed a soft spot for him. As a homer, I think my biases have gotten the best of me.
If he weren’t the head coach of my favorite football team, I have to believe I’d describe him as a loser, a cheater, or worse. But because he is, I find myself inclined to give him a break. The University of Southern California obviously violated NCAA rules, but I think I’ve convinced myself Pete Carroll shouldn’t be blamed for it.
Pete Carroll should take responsibility for what happened at Southern California, but there is no evidence out there suggesting he was aware of the violations as they occurred.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, however, writes about Carroll with a harsher tone.
When the NCAA hammered Southern California with sanctions, Florio called for Carroll’s job:
As to Carroll, he should lose his current job. Of course, he won’t; Seattle Seahawks president Tod Leiweke hired Carroll at a time when Leiweke knew or with the exercise of due diligence should have known that Carroll presided over a program poised to be slapped silly by the NCAA. And if the Seahawks had no qualms about it then, they should have none now.
Florio has also poked fun at Carroll’s new book, Win Forever, declining complimentary copies and referring to the title as Cheat Forever.
Now comes Florio’s latest criticism, which is probably slightly more justified. In an interview with 106.7 The Fan in Washington D.C. earlier this week, Pete Carroll talked about disgruntled defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. From the interview, it seems obvious Carroll and the Seahawks considered Haynesworth in Seattle:
I’m not gonna make a decision, declaration on something like that without knowing the player, hearing the situation, and gathering as much as you can. Because you don’t ever really know the whole story until you dig in… We were interested in the thought of him because he’s such a fantastic player, but if he wants to play the game. That’s what you have to figure out. Where’s the love of the game in all this? And where does this all fit in? Because if you’re getting a guy that’s, regardless of what you’re playing him at, if his heart isn’t in it 1000 percent, he wants to be great and part of a great team, then you need to get another guy. It just depends, and I would look deep into it and we started the process because we thought maybe they weren’t gonna be able to come to a deal and they were gonna make him available, but it didn’t work out that way.
That statement drew immediate criticism from Florio:
In such situations, prudent NFL coaches say something like this: “Haynesworth is under contract with the Redskins. So, guys, I just can’t talk about him.”
Prudent NFL coaches take that approach because the league’s Anti-Tampering Policy contains the following language: “Any public or private statement of interest, qualified or unqualified, in another club’s player to that player’s agent or representative, or to a member of the news media, is a violation of this Anti-Tampering Policy. (Example of a prohibited comment: ‘He’s an excellent player, and we’d very much like to have him if he were available, but another club holds his rights.’)”
… While Carroll most likely won’t get into any trouble over this, the fact that he’d even take the risk shows that either he doesn’t know the rules, or he doesn’t care.
In other words, the guy who coached at USC, for better or worse, hasn’t really changed.
I’m curious what you think. Fair criticism, or unjust condemnation? Is Carroll really a cheater, and is history doomed to repeat itself in Seattle?
Either way, it is an interesting read into the Albert Haynesworth rumors.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Albert Haynesworth, football, National Football League, nfl, Pete Carroll, Reggie Bush, Rumors, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Southern California, tampering claim, Trojans, USC, Washington Redskins, Win Forever
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Do You Want the Seahawks to Pursue Vincent Jackson?
By now, everyone should know I’ve been a proponent of the Charlie Whitehurst acquisition. Maybe it is too optimistic, but until proven otherwise, I trust the new regime to correctly evaluate talent and pursue players they like.
I don’t want to contradict myself with this post, but I will admit, A.J. Smith and the San Diego Chargers were compensated very well for Whitehurst. In addition to a third-round pick in 2010, the Chargers also jumped into the top of the second round in this year’s draft.
All for a third-string quarterback with minimal experience and an empty resume.
But as I’ve said, I won’t be critical of the acquisition until Charlie Whitehurst proves John Schneider and Pete Carroll wrong. If he develops into a good starter in the National Football League, the entire acquisition will be a bargain for the Seahawks.
And regardless of how pleased the San Diego Chargers were with their compensation, we don’t know what Whitehurst’s actual market value was. We don’t know what other teams were offering, or if the Seahawks grossly overpaid for an otherwise unknown commodity.
A.J. Smith may have indeed fleeced Seattle in the trade, but even if Whitehurst becomes a bargain for the Seahawks, the Chargers and Smith are well known for obtaining good value for their assets.
In the 2004 NFL Draft, Smith selected quarterback Eli Manning with the first overall pick. Less than an hour later, the disgruntled quarterback from Ole Miss was traded to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers and several draft picks. Philip Rivers, of course, has developed into a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback – who some may argue is much better than Eli Manning – and the Chargers used New York’s draft picks to select players like Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding.
A.J Smith may take his fair share of criticism, but he won’t undervalue his players in a trade.
To acquire Vincent Jackson from San Diego, the Seahawks are going to probably have to pay a price similar to what Miami gave up for Brandon Marshall. For those of you who don’t remember the specifics, Miami gave Denver second-round picks in 2010 and 2011 in exchange for the troubled, yet talented wide receiver.
And don’t forget, Marshall and the Dolphins subsequently agreed on a four-year, $47.5 million contract extension that includes $24 million in guaranteed money. The new deal made Marshall the highest-paid receiver in National Football League history.
The Seahawks would likely have to compensate both San Diego and Vincent Jackson, and the overall price may be terrifyingly high.
Vincent Jackson has been a productive receiver, and his physical attributes make defensive coordinators cringe. At 6′5″, 230 pounds, Jackson would add size and strength to an otherwise deprived position. And despite Jackson’s size – he weighed around 240 pounds when he was drafted – he still runs a sub-4.5 40-yard dash.
Jackson has only exceeded 1,000 receiving yards twice during his five-year career, but his statistics have improved dramatically each season. Last season, Jackson finished with 68 catches, 1,167 yards and 9 touchdowns.
He isn’t as dynamic or productive as Brandon Marshall, but Vincent Jackson can definitely play wide receiver in the National Football League. Marshall comparisons aside, however, if Jackson can come to Seattle and match his production in San Diego, the Seahawks would be crazy not to pull the trigger on any deal.
The question is, if you were making decisions for the Seattle Seahawks, would you be willing to pay the price to acquire Vincent Jackson?
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: A.J. Smith, Brandon Marshall, Charlie Whitehurst, football, John Schneider, National Football League, nfl, NFL Draft, Pete Carroll, quarterback, Rumors, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, trade, trade rumors, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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Logan Mankins: Steve Hutchinson’s Replacement
Fans of the Seattle Seahawks still cringe when Steve Hutchinson is mentioned in any casual conversation. Hutchinson, of course, is the one that got away. His departure is the defining moment of the Tim Ruskell era in Seattle.
Since Hutchinson bolted for greener pastures in Minnesota, the Twelfth Man has yearned for a dominant, nasty player at the offensive guard position. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of players capable of filling Hutchinson’s shoes – Mike Wahle, Rob Sims, and a handful of other replacements just weren’t the same.
But now news is breaking that Logan Mankins, who plays guard for the New England Patriots, is seeking a trade.
The puddles of water outside aren’t from rain in June; they were created by the Twelfth Man collectively salivating from the news. Mankins is a mauler in the same mold as Hutchinson, capable of impressing even casual fans from the trenches of the offensive line.
Before we get carried away, however, we must understand the Seahawks have a new scheme and philosophy on the offensive side of the football.
Hutchinson was a great fit next to Walter Jones in Seattle’s power-blocking scheme during the years leading up to Super Bowl XL. For Seattle fans, an overwhelming, powerful offensive line means victories, division championships, and Super Bowl appearances.
But Mankins, despite drawing comparisons to Hutchinson, probably wouldn’t be a great fit in Seattle. He is a good offensive lineman, but the cost is too high and there are more realistic, capable alternatives for the zone-blocking scheme.
Since Steve Hutchinson signed a seven-year, $49 million contract in 2006, the value of premier offensive guards has skyrocketed. The New Orleans Saints just re-signed Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans to a seven-year, $56.7 million contract that makes him the highest-paid interior lineman in the National Football League.
Logan Mankins wants a contract that at least matches or exceeds that of Jahri Evans’. According to sources, a five-year deal from the New England Patriots, worth about $7 million per year, has been on the table for “a significant amount of time.”
In addition to rewarding Mankins with a lucrative contract, the Seahawks, or any other NFL team, would have to compensate the Patriots in a trade. The New England Patriots aren’t likely to accept anything less than market value for Mankins, and Adam Caplan of Scout.com says that a first-round pick is a “fair asking price.”
Do you really want the Seattle Seahawks to give up a first-round draft pick for Logan Mankins? Do you think breaking the bank for a powerful guard is the best option for Seattle’s zone-blocking scheme?
Don’t get me wrong; Logan Mankins is talented and versatile. While I believe he could develop into a good lineman in the zone-blocking scheme, there are better, more sensible options for the Seattle Seahawks.
Ben Hamilton, for example, was signed to a one-year deal in April. He isn’t the overwhelming presence that Mankins is, but Hamilton is a veteran of the zone-blocking scheme and is a better-than-serviceable option at left guard. Hamilton gives Seattle the best value for a player at his position.
In addition, Hamilton is expected to act as a mentor for new players on the offensive line. Allowing rookie offensive tackle Russell Okung to play alongside a veteran like Hamilton is something the coaching staff believes will pay dividends:
“You can’t throw him out there without someone to guide them,” [Alex] Gibbs said. “We needed a player that had done that, and knew the system that I knew, to help him make the transfer. That’s what Ben [Hamilton] is for.
“Ben will line up inside of him and guide him through this whole process. So he’s Coach one, I’m Coach two. That’s why he’s here.”
Guards in Alex Gibbs’ zone-blocking scheme must be athletic, versatile, and intelligent. Height and length doesn’t mean much; leverage is everything. Maulers aren’t necessary, as Gibbs prefers athletic players who can move and get out to make blocks. Intelligence is more valuable than strength in the zone-blocking scheme.
In addition, calls made on the offensive line are made from the inside out in Gibbs’ scheme. Centers call guards, guards tell tackles what to do, tackles tell tight ends what to do, and so on. Having a veteran presence at left guard will be invaluable to Russell Okung’s development.
Acquiring Logan Mankins would be a luxury, but a premier player of his caliber is not necessary. This is especially true when considering the compensation required (both trade and player contract). Ben Hamilton is a valuable, veteran presence on the offensive line, and acquiring an additional starting guard would possibly slow the development of Max Unger.
In short, Mankins would be nice. But replacing Steve Hutchinson (with another Steve Hutchinson) should not be the goal any longer.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Alex Gibbs, Ben Hamilton, contract, football, Jahri Evans, left guard, Logan Mankins, Max Unger, Mike Wahle, Minnesota Vikings, National Football League, New England Patriots, nfl, offensive line, Opinion, Pete Carroll, Pro Bowl, Rob Sims, Rumors, Russell Okung, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Steve Hutchinson, trade, value, zone-blocking scheme
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Seattle Seahawks Get Spurned By Aussie Rugby Star Inglis
Well, when your not a perennial playoff contender anymore, sometimes the guys you seek to make your team better reject you coldly.
According to the Australian publication Sunday Herald Sun the Seattle Seahawks took a covert Pete Carroll approach to try and lure Greg Inglis to the NFL, only this time they didn’t snag their prize.
The report notes that it wasn’t necessarily the team that approached, but the timing of the approach.
Here is a main excerpt from the article, you can read the entire thing here.
Greg’s an elite athlete and an outstanding talent,” he said yesterday on SEN.
“And if ever there was a decision that came out of the Inglis camp that said he was legitimate and serious about wanting to explore a conversation about changing his career path within sport, we would want to be at the front of what I would imagine would be a very long queue.
“There’s no offer, it’s very preliminary.”
Gainey has quashed fears his client was set to follow Israel Folau’s lead and abandon the NRL.
The assurance came as the Sunday Herald Sun learned Inglis last week rejected a secret approach from American NFL outfit the Seattle Seahawks.
It sounds as though no matter who made the sales pitch, even if it was the New Orlean Saints, that the Inglis camp is not quite ready to pull the trigger on a potential career change.
Still, I am sure leaving the sport he is considered to be the stud in for a 5-11 team was not really all that enticing to him with his decision far from being set in stone.
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Tags: football, Free Agency, News, nfl, NFL Free Agency, NFL News, NFL Rumors, Opinion, Other, Popular, Rumors, Seahawks
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Seahawks: Houshmandzadeh and Owens Were Sitting Courtside At NBA Finals
I’m only going off of a response I got from the comments section when I posted this on the Seattle Post Intelligencer.
To expand on what Shaun Dolence wrote earlier today; according to my “source” TJ Houshmandzadeh and Terrell Owens were both sitting together during game one of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles yesterday.
Now this could be entirely a coincidence, these two could be really good friends and it could be that it’s just not widespread public knowledge.
But it does leave some room for speculation when you throw in the fact Houshmandzadeh just recently said he thought Owens could help the Seahawks and GM John Schneider did not entirely close the door on bringing him in.
Plenty of athletes are going to attend this major sporting event; it’s hard not to speculate why Owens chose out of all of them to sit next to the No. 1 receiver on the team most rumored to be a suitor for the controversial star.
The fact this comes the night before Terrell Owens only openly acknowledged Seattle and the Washington Redskins as potential suitors in an interview with Rick Eisen makes it moderately compelling to believe a future with the Seahawks was among the things discussed between Houshy and T.O. during game one of the Finals.
If you really want to read into it, he didn’t use past tense when discussing the Seahawks interest in him this off season during the Friday interview either.
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Tags: football, Free Agency, News, nfl, NFL Free Agency, NFL News, NFL Rumors, Opinion, Other, Popular, Rumors, Seahawks
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