Shaun in Chicago?

by: Michael Steffes

Shaun Alexander may have found his first decent opportunity for work this morning. News out of Austin is that Bears running back Cedric Benson has been arrested for suspicion of DUI.

Normally that isn't enough to open a roster spot right away, but as you will remember, Benson was arrested mere weeks ago for boating under the influence. At the time he claims he treated unfairly by police and pepper sprayed for no reason. Well, Ced, I am guessing the whole drinky and police act is getting tired up in the windy city. I really don't see how they can hold on to this guy much longer. He certainly doesn't have the talent to back up this behavior.

So if you were the Bears, and you needed a vet to mentor Matt Forte, who would you choose? Shaun, or Travis Henry? This could be a good spot for Shaun, even though they have a young line. The Bears are going to run the ball and keep the clock moving, hoping their defense wins them games. We will wait and see, first Benson has to get cut. However, this is the best fit for Shaun thats been out there so far. END Read More!

Travis Brown....Nice to Know Ya

by: Michael Steffes


The minor roster moves continue. The team added Kevin Brown after cutting Kelly Tavalou, which was reported this morning. Also, according to this ESPN story, the Hawks also parted ways with WR Travis Brown today. In his place will be Joel Filani, a 6th round choice of the Titans last year.

Filani is a 6'2" 210lb WR out of Texas Tech. After being cut by the Titans, he spent time with Minnesota. He is highly unlikely to make the team. A good showing could land him on the practice squad.

I will update the rosters by the end of the night if you are keeping up with such things. END Read More!

Dada Shown Door

by: Michael Steffes

According to the guys over at Seahawks.net, Omowale Dada was released by the Seahawks Friday night after practice. There is no word on who will take his spot, but likely one of the players who was receiving a tryout this weekend will be inked to a deal making him one of the 87. The 87 is comprised of the 80 players the team is allowed under contract and the 7 whose rights the team controls via the draft.

Also, this brings the relative Coug count down to two, Bumpus and Trufant. But hold your heads high Coug fans, Trufant is still, by far, the highest profile player from a local school on the Hawks. END Read More!

So Much for That

by: Michael Steffes

The roster already needs to be updated. According to Clare Farnsworth, the Seahawks have released long snapper Tim Lindsey. No word on who will take his spot, but the Hawks will likely add someone else shortly. Maybe a free agent linemen, maybe another undrafted guy. Clearly though, the team thinks it has its man in Tyler Schmitt. END Read More!

From Shaun to the Fans.....

by: Michael Steffes

STATEMENT FROM SHAUN ALEXANDER

We received the news from the Seahawks' front office today that I have been released. While it really isn't a surprise, this news marks a major transition in my life. I started my NFL career in Seattle and hoped I could remain with the team through the rest of my days as a player. That said, things change.

I will be playing for another NFL team this fall, and doing everything I can to contribute. I am healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career.

To Continue...

I want to thank the Seahawks and Coach Holmgren for all they have done for me and my family over the years. I have nothing but respect and affection for the Seahawks staff, my teammates and the organization. I wish them the best.

I especially want to thank the Seahawks fans. You made me feel proud every time I stepped on the field as a Seahawk. I look forward to hopefully returning to Qwest Field one day to play against the Seahawks, and the daunting task of facing the 12th Man --Seahawks fans are among the best.

Finally, Valerie and I want everyone to know that Seattle is home for us, and it will remain so no matter where I play next. We have made far too many wonderful friends to say goodbye. My family will remain in the Seattle area, and when my days in the NFL do eventually come to an end, I plan to retire here. Our hearts are woven into the fabric of this community, we are blessed to be part of it, and we enjoy contributing to it in every way we can.

Thank you, Seattle. You have become a part of me and you will forever
remain in my heart.

Courtesy of Mark Firmani and NewsBlaze.com

Thank you again Shaun! Very Classy! You have been a great Seahawk! 2005 lives fondly in my memories. I will miss you coming out of the tunnel every Sunday, and I will miss the opening notes of Sweet Home Alabama even more. I wish you the best of luck! -Michael Read More!

Shaun and Seahawks Part Ways

by: Michael Steffes

A reader listening to KJR this morning tipped me of to this, Thanks Steve!

According to KJR, who is citing an unnamed family member, Shaun Alexander has been released by the Seahawks. This will be announced either later today or tomorrow morning. I don't have much to say on this subject that hasn't been said many times before. This has been expected for quite some time.

I truly appreciate Shaun and everything he has done for this franchise. He is truly a great all time Seahawk. I hope he is very motivated to play next year and finds a good landing spot. I would like nothing more than to see one more good year out of Alexander, I am just convinced that it wouldn't have happened here. Good Luck Shaun! I can't wait to be there when they put you in the ring of honor! END Read More!

Could Mare Get Cut?

I say yes... absoulutely! He has no guarantee to be on the roster. With the rare exception of certain "slaves to the business men" who get big signing bonuses up front, kickers are always in danger of being cut. Especially if they don't produce.

To continue....

Lets say hypothetically, that Mare was given a 1 mil signing bonus. He then say has base salaries of 1.25 each of the next two years. This is a reasonable guess at what the contract may look like. The Hawks would only be responsible for the 1 million bonus if he is cut before camp. It would count against the cap, but nothing else would. Would that be an expensive gamble? Sure for most, but Paul Allen has the deepest pockets in the league. It is worth it if it allows the Hawks to select the kicker they like with out reaching, and then as insurance in case he doesn't perform.

Also, as I mentioned in the previous thread, while Ruskell was in Atlanta, the Falcons carried two kickers. So if it takes a season for the young guy to develop, or they want to ease him in, so be it, Ruskell has proven he is willing to go this route. It is possible that the kicker the Hawks like could be accurate, but have a weak leg for kick offs, thus they would share duties. However, it would seem the Hawks will make a decision on Mare, one way or the other, before the season starts and his deal becomes guaranteed for the year because of his veteran status.

UPDATE--For all those who want a little more (or less) clarity on the subject, or just have a man crush on our GM, like me, here is an interview, done Wednesday with Tim Ruskell. FYI, he suggests they will draft a kicker, and then maybe carry two on the roster for a little bit. Or not. Who knows?

Read More!

Ruskell's Quotes Very Telling

Ruskell told reporters, including Clare Farnsworth, that the savings realized from Marcus Trufant's long term deal are already spent.

After the news conference to announce Trufant's six-year, $50.2 million contract, the club president said the money basically was accounted for: $3-$4 million for the rookie pool that will be needed to sign the draft choices and college free agents; $2 million for an injury-protection fund to sign players when others are lost for the season; and signing a veteran kicker.

This seems to be very telling. It had been assumed and speculated by many that the savings the club would get from designating Shaun Alexander a June 1st cut would be used to sign the rookies and as emergency for the season. Well, Ruskell has allocated the Trufant savings for that. With no major targets left on the free agent market, it would seem the team won't do anything except add a kicker till after the draft.

So it would appear that the team doesn't need to cut Shaun to save money. Will they still cut him? I think so, and probably shortly. It appears though that the team will take the 125K hit this year and avoid any dead money. I must say, in a year where it looked like the team was in a bad spot, they managed to get a lot done. It is possible depending on how the draft goes that they will clear even more space, much like last year when after drafting Josh Wilson, the team cut Kelly Herndon. Players like Jason Babin, and even Mike Green are possible subtractions if replacements are drafted.

This team has worked its way out of the toughest spot it has been in financially, in the Tim Ruskell era. If they get a few more years out of Kerney and Grant, we may look back at 2008 as the teams best offseason. END Read More!

Alexander Update

John Clayton is reporting that the expected time table for releasing Shaun Alexander is April 1st. He is still expected to be designated as a June 1st cut which would create a 4.5 million in cap space come June 2nd. This was reported on JC's blog at ESPN insider.

There seems to be several different opinions on the Seahawks cap space. The range seems to spread from 3 million to 9 million. It would seem that the team would be more inclined to take the hit in one year if the number is actually 9 million. Since Clayton is reporting the low end, that is probably why he is adamant that Shaun will be a June 1st cut. Most likely he will be. Even if the team does have space, it is likely that they are trying to create enough space to give Lofa and Leroy mid year extensions. I can hope can't I.....

UPDATE(10:45) Here is an article by Ira Miller at NFL.COM that interviews Mike Holmgren, essentially confirming this story.

END







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Ashworth Out

Clare Farnsworth is reporting that Tom Ashworth has been released by the club. If you have been reading this blog for a awhile, you might be asking, what took so long?

Ashworth was scheduled to earn 2 mil this year, and was probably seen as the 4th tackle. I am interested to see if this was a June 1st cut. Surprisingly enough, Ashworth had some bonus money still being accounted for.

By my accounting, if this was 6/1 cut, it saves the Hawks 2 million. If not, it only saves them about 800k. I am sure more will be revealed.

And thanks to the reader who pointed it out.

UPDATE-- I have assumed it is a 6/1 cut, and updated the Seahawk Salary Spreadsheet accordingly--- Read More!