In case you've been held hostage by Libians, or stranded on a desert island, you may not have noticed that the Seahawks have only ONE remaining unrestricted free agent, backup Safety John Howell to be exact.At this point last year, we were reeling from the off-season losses of "key" players such as Ken Lucas, Chad Brown, Orlando Huff, Chike Okeafor, Anthony Simmons and Koren Robinson.
This year the Seahawks have suffered two huge free agent losses, in Steve Hutchinson and Joe Jurevicius, and a few backups in Ryan Hannam, Rodney Bailey and Marquand Manuel.
The off season additions, however, tend to balance the scales in their favor, with pick-ups such as Julian Peterson, Tom Ashworth, Nate Burleson, Russell Davis and Will Heller.
Oh, and let's not forget that the front office signed or retained most of the other free agents, some guys you may have heard of, like Shaun Alexander, Rockey Bernard, Mack Strong, Maurice Morris, Peter Warrick, Jimmy Williams, Tom Rouen, Josh Brown, Kevin Bentley and Joe Tafoya.
In addition to the elusive John Howell, restricted free agents Wayne Hunter and Seneca Wallace remain unsigned, but all indications point to them being back with the Seahawks next season.
Why have I taken the time to enumerate all these off season moves? Well, first of all, because nothing new has been posted here in like forever! But more importantly, to illustrate the stability and new attitude of this perennially shakey franchise.
The curse of the Super Bowl Runners-Up as as much to do with losses of key players and coaches, as it does to injuries. Coming off the best season in franchise history, the front office made a pledge to "keep our own first", and for all intents and purposes, has lived up to that pledge.
Not only that, they've made huge improvements in the roster in key positions, while only surrendering one draft choice, and still remain at least $10M under the salary cap, indicating they're not quite done yet.
Watching Tim Ruskell come on board a few weeks before the draft last year, and then pull some rabbits out of his "Clayton", namely Tatupu and Hill, we're all eagerly awaiting April 29th, and not just because it's my daughter's sixth birthday!
As you watch the draft, look for the man in the top hat, white gloves and cape in the Seahawks war room, as this is the command performance of the "Great Ruskelltini", who once again, will dazzle us with perplexing selections and amazing prestidigination!
Never in my 30 years as a Seahawks fan have I been *THIS* confident heading into a season. The team is hungry, they feel slighted from their last game, and apparently other than Mr. Howell, they're all "Thurston" for another run at the championship!
GO SEAHAWKS!!!
Great thread alba (althought the "Thurston" joke was a bit of a stretch! This is also the first year in a long time that I look to the draft and have no idea what our needs are. We could use a CB, but Ty Law is reportedly leaning our way. Another top notch receiver would be nice, but we have approximately 75% of our roster filled with wide receivers. Maybe a DE, but will there be a first round talent at that position available?
ReplyDeleteAll I know is that it's a nice problem to have.
Good post Alba, great points all around. Sign Law and get to the draft fer cryin' out loud. I still think Tapp or Dumervil are the call, and I hope they trade out of the first round to get one of them. Or both. And a corner, Alan Zemaitis from Penn maybe.
ReplyDeleteI think there is an outside chance we could pick up DE Simeon Rice from the Bucs. If he continues to refuse to restructure his contract, the 'Neers may be forced to cut him.
ReplyDeleteIf such were the case, signing him would be awesome. We need to get him another ring.
If we signed Law i would just be all over with joy. That would make my week. I can just hear Berman saying "He messed with the Law and the Law won." If we get Law forget the offense take a look at that defense baby.
ReplyDeleteLast year I predicted a 12-4 season and Superbowl after Bobby B-Easy Engram dropped the ball at the Rams game to end our season but this year we really are stacked. We are thekings of the NFC and we have our way with any team we please. Best record over the past 3 years lets keep that going baby I can't wait till September.
"Best record [in the NFC] over the past 3 years"
ReplyDeleteThat's like saying Lance Bass was the best singer in *NSYNC. It seems like a compliment, but is it really that impressive? ;-)
Thanks for raining on my parade CitK :)
ReplyDeleteJust call me Chief Thundercloud. Chance of showers: 100%.
ReplyDeleteIn actuality, I don't disagree with your post. I was just hoping to make the Quote Bucket. Anyone? C'mon, I even used the frickin' asterisk in their name and everything!
You know what we really are stacked. I mean we are built for the long term future. Curse of the Superbowl runner up is kind of crazy but its usually because there are some big changes the following year or injuries. I think we have enough depth to overcome most injuries except for the irreplacable ones (Hass, Walt). We are stacked from top to bottom hell i'm glad we have Babs cause when he isn't slipping and falling he does make big plays. I mean we could get another corner and a stud DE but dam we are built for the long term. We are veteran on offense and young on defense and thats good. The draft should be good but really if went in to this seaso right now even before the draft i think we would woop everyones but including TO and Keyshaun. I think we are a step ahead of evryone. Hell i think we could win any division in the league screw the NFC West. Put us in the AFC and we will win it. Superbow XLI here we come.
ReplyDeleteIf they pick up some cornerbacks I'll totally agree with your optimism. However, the secondary is still the traditional weak spot of the club. If Law is signed I'll drink the Kool-aid for sure.
ReplyDeleteAnd you have to admit, you have questions about how effective Hamlin will be, don't you?
Other than that, stacked indeed!
I think the three big questions (at least as I see them) will be addressed in free agency and the draft. We need another top notch DE (Kiwi?), a big time CB (Law?) and a quality safety (draft, 2nd round?). That's the only thing I see keeping us from being the no question best team in the league.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, a DE. I seriously keep forgetting the Hawks didn't pick up Abraham. To me, the loss of Manuel was the biggest one of all. z
ReplyDeleteAnd I guarantee the Hawks won't draft the players we expect them to--they have tricked me up for many consecutive drafts, so I've given up trying to predict their choices based on apparent team deficiencies.
What about using a high pick on an Offensive Guard?
(Man, I'm on this thread a lot. I feel like Alba on almost every other thread...) ;-)
(Man, I'm on this thread a lot. I feel like Alba on almost every other thread...) ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'll give u this one CitK, this is goin to the quote bucket.
By the by CitK, I loved the *NSYNC thing. Hilarious.
ReplyDelete