The REAL Back-Stabber!

Adam Shefter on NFL.com confirmed that the offer sheet that Steve Hutchinson signed with the Vikings indeed includes a "poison pill" making it virtually impossible for the Seahawks to match.

The $50 million offer sheet that Hutchinson signed Sunday with the Vikings includes a provision dictating that he be the highest paid offensive lineman on his team this season -- or the entire $50 million contract becomes fully guaranteed, according to someone who has seen the offer sheet. Well, Seattle offensive tackle Walter Jones averages $7.5 million per year, while Hutchinson's contract pays him an average of $7 million per year.

So if Seattle matched Hutchinson's offer sheet, it not only would have to figure out how to squeeze in this year's $13-million-plus salary-cap figure, but it also would have to guarantee a whopping $50 million to Hutchinson, making it the richest cash contract in NFL history by a cool $15 million.

While I understand the Front Office had their own fiscal objectives in mind when choosing to place the Transition tag on Hutchinson, it was also a good faith gesture to avoid the acromony and protracted contract impasses and holdouts that usually accompany the use of the Franchise tag.

Hutchinson, who usually espoused a desire to remain in Seattle then took that good faith, whittled down the tip, and stuck it right into the collective backs of the Seahawks organization.

The deal, devised by Hutchinson's agent Tom Condon, makes it exceedingly difficult for the Seahawks to match. One person involved in the composition of the offer sheet predicted the Seahawks cannot match it; the ramifications would be way too severe.

Thanks to this little underhanded manuever, I no longer think that the loudmouthed midget known as Drew Rosenweasel is the slimiest agent operating in football.

I also think it's truly ironic that the guy everyone thought would bolt town in a heartbeat, or bend the Seahawks organization over a barrell demanding to be the highest paid player at his position, Shaun Alexander, is the one who signed a reasonably priced, cap friendly deal to stay in town. While the quiet and reserved hulk of an offensive lineman, who everyone thought would be true to his word and dedicated to the franchise, is the one who turns out to be the money grubbing egotist.

I hope the $17M that we're currently under the cap allows us to sign two or three good free agents that we have our eyes on, while we make the Vikings twist for 7 days waiting for an answer.

And while I'd never wish injury on a player, or any human being for that matter, I'm hoping that the Vikings contiue to suck and that they never even get a sniff of the playoffs during the tenure of this contract. As a matter of fact, I hope Hutchinsuck has to play every stinking down on offense, as they wallow in mediocrity for the next seven years.

But most of all, I can't wait until Walter Jones and our new left guard "whoever" are blowing open truck-width holes for Shaun Alexander, as he puts up a 200 yard game on Minnesota when they visit Qwest field next Fall.

So, for an illustration on how I now feel about one of the previously well liked Seahawks, or for the message that this deal is sending to any GM who feels the need to bargain with his players on good faith, click the picture of Hutchinsuck above.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!