Good Morning To You, Marcus Trufant

I love waking up to news like this! Marcus Trufant, according to profootballtalk.com, has reached a long term agreement to remain a Seattle Seahawk. The deal is 6yrs 50.2 million. Marcus is receiving 20 million in guarantees and essentially 28 million over the first three years.

Well, obviously, Marcus blinked. And I think he should be commended for it. When Lofa reached his long term agreement, I commented that Marcus would have to figure out whether he was a Seahawk or 10 mil a year CB. Well, he chose Seahawk, and probably in no small part because of the team spirit shown recently by not only Lofa, but Kerney, Grant, Terrill, and Babs. This is going to be a heck of D next year and probably moving forward.

You can see the deal averages pretty close to 8.3 per year. With the first three years paying out 28 million, that is a little more than nine per year. So my guess is that the salaries are pretty fair and Tru got him self a nice chunk of change up front. It will be hard for me to get the info, unless someone reports it, the NFLPA recently changed their website and currently it showing people who have signed elsewhere as Hawks, so who knows if it will have base salaries again. Either way this appears to be a better deal than any of the other recent ones signed by corners.

Oh yeah, and the best news, this is all just in time to sign Olindo Mare, who is in town today. Let the Mare watch begin(god please no). Read More!

Raiders Still Making Hawks Pay

First off, I hate the Raiders. Always have, always will. The first time I went to a Chargers game, it was against the Raiders and I almost got stabbed...seriously. That doesn't even mention the long standing rivalry from the old AFC West.

Well, once again, it appears that the Raiders will be making the Seahawks pay. Instead of Bo Jackson running over the Boz, now it will be in the wallet. Chris Mortensen is reporting that Al Davis is set to hand DeAngelo Hall 70 mil for 7 years.

This most certainly affects the Marcus Trufant negotiations. How much is hard to tell. From the little nuggets of info that have come out, it appears Tim Ruskell is serious about not giving Trufant top corner money. This seems unlikely to change. However, it has to be pretty clear to Marcus that he would get that money on the open market. So that puts the parties at an impasse.

Folks, it may be time to start preparing ourselves for the final year of Marcus Trufant as a Seahawk. Unless either party changes their philosophical view, I have to imagine the one year tender is all Tru will play under. Would the team trade him? It certainly remains a possibility. We won't know till draft day probably. Either way, the more corners that get paid, the worse it gets for the Seahawks chances at reaching a long term deal with Marcus Trufant.

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The Poison Pill

Hopefully, by writing this, I don't stir up too many bad feelings from the 06 offseason, but this is starting to bug me. Why no poison pills?

I read this on PFT this morning, about the lack of movement on restricted free agents. Also, there was this article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, about Max Starks.

At the time that Starks was hit with the transition tag, I wanted to post something, however if I recall, I had more posts that I knew what to do with. So lets discuss this now. Why no poison pills?

To continue.....

The NFL essentially ruled that using the poison pill was legit. The Seahawks were really the team that had to pay the biggest price for the league to figure this out. But, all of a sudden, everybody is playing nice and doesn't want to use any poison pills. All of a sudden the transition tag gets used again, and it is no big deal. Any team who wants a RFA, should insist on including this. Why not? It is a legal tool in contracts.

I am not absolving Tim Ruskell of the mistake of only transitioning Hutch. He should have franchised a player of that magnitude. Maybe it because of the increased cap, teams have mostly had enough money to re-sign the players they want to keep. However, if this is a tool teams are free to use, it sticks in my craw that once again, it was really only the Seahawks who suffered through this. And if the rest of the league thinks this is inappropriate, where were they when the Hawks were doing everything they could to find a way to match Hutch's deal.

It is a shame. I for one am glad it hasn't turned into an epidemic in the NFL, but once again, it is starting to feel like the Hawks got the short end of the stick. Actually, it kinda felt that way at the time too.






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If You Have to Pay Top Dollar....

...Might as well get what you pay for. This is just an interesting debate point that has been in my mind since yesterday, so I thought I would see what all of you thought.

With the Raiders trading so much, and spending so much, to get DeAngelo Hall, they may repeal the franchise tag on Nnamdi Asomugha. The only had 6 mil in cap space before this deal, allegedly.

In my mind, he is a top flight shut down corner. He literally takes away one side of the field. He was thrown at only a ridiculous 19 times last year (approx figure).

Things would change if he hits the market. One, someone with skill to match the top money becomes available and it puts the Hawks in an interesting position. They could repeal the franchise tag on Trufant and put two corners on the market when most of the money is gone and use the space to go hard after Nnamdi. Also, they could start negotiating with him to force Tru to either sign his tender or do a long term deal. The third thing they could do is go hard after Asomugha and hope they get a deal done before Trufant figures out what happened, and then repeal his tender.

If Ruskell believes that Marcus will never agree to a deal in the lesser tier range, this may be a smart play. Ruskell would actually be getting a corner with the skill to match what Marcus thinks he is worth. I would think this is a possibility, rather paying more than he is comfortable for Trufant. I like Marcus a lot, but if Al Davis repeals the franchise tag off of Asomugha, he may create a new source of leverage for the Hawks.



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Team and Trufant Negotiating

Frank Hughes at the TNT has updated the Marcus Trufant situation. He says the team has submitted a new proposal to the Trufant's representatives, but the deal isn't really close.

This is kind of disappointing. Marcus's situation seems to really be hamstringing the team right now. However, giving in to Tru just because the team is under pressure would set a bad precedent. They have a value for him, and they are only willing to pay a certain amount.

Whether this is tied into the Shaun situation or not remains to be seen. It would make a lot of sense though. If the deal doesn't get done, then they will most certainly designate Shaun as a 6/1 cut. For those of you holding out hope he will be on the team next year, the longer Tru goes with out signing, the more improbable the odds become. The Hawks will have to have that money for draft picks and to sign players in the case of injury.

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Trouble Brewing With Trufant

According to Clare Farnsworth's article just posted, it would appear that Marcus Trufant and the Seahawks are not moving closer to an agreement. It looks as if things are getting testy. Clare article states...

Mike Sullivan, Trufant's agent, is calling published reports of the team's willingness to offer his client as much as an average of $8 million on a six-year contract "outrageous."
That's because the Seahawks have submitted only one contract proposal -- six years for $40 million -- and that was two weeks before the free-agency period began.

Part of me thinks that this is big trouble. That the next move is Marcus will hold out and threaten not to play until week 10. However, I believe that a lot of this is part of negotiating in the NFL. The team holds the hammer here. Unless Trufant can find someone willing to give up two 1st rounders, his only option is hold out. Sometimes this works, other times not so much.

Marcus wants a big money guarantee, the team knows he risks a lot by playing this year on the franchise tender. What if he slips back to mediocrity? What if, like Daunta Robinson, he destroys his knee. That is the trade off. Take the guaranteed money now or risk it for the big payday next year. I get it, Marcus wants the big money and he feels he has earned it, however that is debatable. That said, I hope Ruskell sees the value in treating a local boy right. Find some middle ground and get this deal done quick. Else, this will probably be his last year in Seahawk blue.

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Good News!!!!

The reported figures on the Asante Samuel deal are only 5 yrs and 47 mil. This is according to Profootballtalk.com. Those of you who are math challenged, let me help. It is not 10 mil per. It is just over 9 million per. This is good news why?

Well Marcus Trufant's franchise tender is for 9.5, approximately. A long term deal would allow them to lower the first year cap hit. If these figures are right, it should put the two sides a lot closer together. Lets hope they get it done in time to continue improving this team. END OF POST Read More!

Hawks Playing Hardball With Trufant

According to an article this morning by Frank Hughes, the Seahawks are walking along the apex of a slippery slope.

The Seattle Seahawks are offering free-agent cornerback Marcus Trufant less money over six years than San Francisco cornerback Nate Clements was given over five, according to league sources.

For analysis....

Well, this is probably why the two sides have been described as far apart in negotiation. Really, you can't blame either party. From Trufant's perspective, he was a Pro Bowl corner who is trying to build on the last contract signed by a free agent Pro Bowl corner. Also, he certainly can read the paper, he knows his services are in demand, he could get his money.

From the Seahawk's perspective, they still aren't 100% sure what they have in Trufant. All teams are weary of players who improve their game dramatically in their contract year and then start looking for huge money. They want to find out if Clements money is for real. If Samuel gets 10 mil per, they can make the decision about a long term deal then. Maybe they know that most teams feel the same way as the Hawks, and will shy away from that money.

The problem lies in how Marcus feels he is being treated. The Hawks would be better to communicate to Tru that they are waiting to see what Samuel gets. This is better than offering a way below market deal. What if Samuel takes a lesser deal, but Trufant is upset beyond the point of reconciliation. At least with the tag, Trufant plays another year in Seattle, or the Hawks get a good return for him. Right now, it looks like his long term future is intricately tied to how much money Asante Samuel can get. Unfortunately for the Hawks, as league insiders often say, "it only takes one." And that one will probably give Samuel a mega deal. Read More!

Trufant: Trade Bait??

According to this report from Newsday, if the Giants can't get their mitts on DeAngelo Hall, they will turn their trade eye towards the Seahawks Marcus Trufant.

I have seen this idea championed by several fans. I am not sure the Hawks would even consider it. The real question is what would be the cost. Obviously, he could be had via poison pill for two first rounders because he is the franchise player. A trade would seem to suggest something less.

It seems more likely that the Giants would get Hall, considering he is actually being shopped and Marcus isn't, but if that doesn't stop Newsday from writing it, it doesn't stop me from posting it. Discuss....

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Sean Locklear Signs 5 year deal with Hawks

Thanks to the reader who pointed this out. Glad I didn't go to far from the computer. The ESPN article is right here. The deal appears to be 5 yrs and around 32 million. This is quite a hometown discount if you ask me. I will provide cap implications when the NFLPA posts the actual yearly figures.

UPDATE-- The contract is said to guarantee Lock only 12 million. Have to think he could have had more on the open market. Top linemen usually get between 15-20 guaranteed.

This is awesome news. The O line will clearly be improved from last year. Looks like Mr. Ruskell knew he was close with Lock when he used the tag on Trufant. Smart business if you ask me.

UPDATE-- Tom Ashworth now becomes a likely cut as he seems to be dead weight with a salary of 2 million for this season. Willis is clearly capable of being the backup. It also puts the O tackle in the first round idea to bed. Nobody takes a 1st rounder who won't see the field for 3-5 years.


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Marcus Trufant Gets Tagged

According to Adam Scheffter at the NFL Network, Marcus Trufant has been tagged. This costs the team 9.5 mil against the cap if they are unable to work out a long term deal.

This obviously shows that the team believes reaching a long term agreement before tomorrow afternoon would be difficult. It could also mean that they are willing to let Josh Brown and Sean Locklear test the market. Overall this is a good sign, the defense remains intact from last year.

This is also being confirmed by profootballtalk.com and Seahawks.net (3:31pm)

UPDATE--(3:20) Currently this leaves the Hawks with a little over 110 million against the cap. And that doesn't include Wahle's bonus amount. At best it is less than 6 million of cap space. Hawk fans can expect some roster tinkering this week in an effort to gain some cap flexibility. At some point they will also receive a cap credit for last year too. Read More!

And Then There Were Two...

Elite free agent corners that is. Adam Schefter is reporting that the Oakland Raiders have exercised their right to franchise free agent corner Namdi Asomugha. This leaves two premier free agents at the position, Asante Samuel and Marcus Trufant. Tick Tick Tick, what will the Hawks do. And for those who want to debate it, Asomugha was the best corner available. I think I read that he was thrown at 12 times last year. That is less than once per game!!!!

Also, finally, I have DSL up and running again. Thank god! If I drank anymore Starbucks I think my skin would jump right off my body!


UPDATE (2:09pm) The Raiders used the exclusive tag on Asomugha, which prevents teams from even talking to him. In exchange for this they have to pay him the average of the top 5 salaries of this year, which is about to go way up if Samuel and Trufant hit the market. Read More!

Hawks to get choice of RB???

Here is an update from profootballweekly on the AZ Cardinals. Normally, it wouldn't be a big deal, but this report cites team insiders who say the Cardnials will steer clear of top RB's in the draft. That leaves Houston as the one team in front of the Hawks who might look RB. Now, Houston needs DB's bad. The GM was quoted as saying they need to draft a CB and sign a CB and better both be able to play right away. Franchising Trufant could have a nice side effect. The Texans, barring signing Samuel, may have to take a corner, thus giving the Hawks their pick of backs not named Mcfadden.

The same site talks about Mike Wahle and the upcoming open competition at RG. It also suggests Gray may be done and another free agent is possible. END-- Read More!

Corey Williams to Get Tag Too?

This article from the packernews.com suggests that the Pack are considering hitting Corey Williams, DT, with the franchise tag. In reality, he is going to be the highest priced DT on the market, if he makes it there. However, if the Pack tag him, like Haynesworth has been, all of a sudden the DT's that the Hawks would be looking at become real popular to teams who have a lot more money and need a lot more help, like Cleveland. Wait and see, all tags must be applied by tomorrow afternoon. END Read More!

Colts Take Dallas Clark Off the Market

In a move that has been expected, the Colts placed the franchise tag on Dallas Clark. Showing interest in Alge Crumpler may have been a ploy, however it didn't work. Instead... the tag. With Indy's cap situation, it is possible they will choose not to tender Utecht, but Clark gets banged up enough he probably stays too. So, its either Crumpler or the draft. Figuring the bidding war that seems to be on the verge of erupting for Crumpler, coupled with the thought that the Hawks are working on Brown, Trufant and hopefully Lock right now, the TE is mostly likely a rookie next year. I think they will go with the most polished one they can find, even giving up potential for the ability to immediately contribute in the passing game. END. Read More!

Two Critical Days Upcoming

Maybe some of you don't know this, or some just haven't thought about it, but Monday and Tuesday are two extremely critical days for the front office. On Wednesday, most of the Seahawks brass, most of the NFL executives, and agents for that matter, will all descend upon the RCA Dome in Indy for the NFL Scouting Combine. So why is this so important....



Well, a lot of contract negotiating goes on at the combine. Unfortunately, most of those deals are signed the first week in March when players make big money switching teams. Also, Thursday is the last day to apply franchise tags. So, Tim Ruskell needs to make some tough decisions on Monday or Tuesday and possibly ink a player or two. If he doesn't, the Seahawks will be behind the proverbial eight ball. Hawk fans could be looking at a team with only one of the four premier UFA's back. By signing one, it would allow the tag to be placed on another. That is probably the best scenario Hawk fans can hope for at this point.

So anyway.... Stay tuned.... the early part of this week will be very telling to the direction of the franchise. I will have all the news and analysis as it breaks right here, so check in often and get the scoop.
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Straight Cash Homie!!!

There are a lot of people hoping to cash in the free agency season, but probably none more so than local boy gone big time, Marcus Trufant. This article by Bill Williamson from the Denver Post suggests that Mr. Trufant will surpass Champ Bailey as the highest paid corner in the league.

Rotoworld.com suggests that the Hawks don't wanna pay and are likely preparing mighty mite Josh Wilson for a larger role. Read More!

Eagles Franchise L.J. Smith

Well, Andy Ried and Co. certainly didn't waste anytime on this one. Today was the first day the franchise tag could be applied and they slapped it right on tight end L.J. Smith. Clearly, they were not interested in negotiating a long term contract, instead opting to only commit to one year and see if he could stay healthy and make an impact again.

As for Seahawk fans, L.J. Smith would not have been the worst option at tight end. He plays in a very similar system and is still on the right side of 30. Unless god strikes Bill Polian with lightning rendering him retarded, and thus allowing Dallas Clark to hit FA, the Hawks will REALLY need to draft a TE. Of course we said that last year and they took a grip of WRs instead. Read More!

Recent Seahawk News

Just to get everybody caught up on the weeks events---

First, Jim Mora Jr. has been given a 5yr extension, which works out to a four year head coaching contract starting in 2009.-- In my opinion, this is a great hire. Stability is good. Second time head coaches are good, did you see Tom Coughlin. He had once gotten Jacksonville to the championship game before being fired. Mora has reached the championship game too and then only two years removed with a winning record overall was fired. Atlanta has been a mess ever since.

Beyond this, the Hawks brought in a new QB coach today. His name is Bill Lazor. Thanks to Jason LaCanfora of the Washington Post for breaking this one. Are ALL the Seahawk beat writers on vacation? Anyway, Lazor once set 26 individual passing records at Cornell University. Which means he's a pretty sharp cat. He went on to coach there as well, as an offensive assistant. He has worked with the Redskins the last two years and ATL before that. This means he was hired by Mora once before, which is probably a good indication of who had the final say. Plus, working as a QB coach in ATL also means at some point he was probably responsible for feeding Mike Vicks canines.

Finally, Adam Schefter reported that the Hawks seem prepared to let Marcus Trufant test the waters of free agency and franchise Josh Brown. Then several hours later, he wrote a story saying that Tru was likely to receive the franchise tag. Usually his info is pretty good. In this case, i bet nobody has any idea what is going to happen, not even Tim Ruskel at this point. My opinion is that it would be nice to have him back, however, cornerbacks right now, as a position are overvalued. They get paid like QBs, but even the best ones aren't worth a damn if you can't pressure the QB. See Nate Clements and his 10 mil per year deal. This draft seems to have some worthy corners slotted around when the Hawks will be picking, so if we used Tru's cake to fix the offense and then took a corner early, i would be hard pressed to criticize the strategy. If we let Tru walk and pick up another corner who is shorter than my girlfriend and thinner than a supermodel, i will be bitching loud. Read More!