Phil Loadholt staying with the Vikings, Rubin re-signs

March 7th, 2016 | Written by Rob Staton

If the Seahawks were interested in Loadholt, they’ll need a Plan B.

I’ll update this post accordingly if anything else ‘Hawks related emerges on day one of the legal tampering period.

Marshall only ran a 4.81 at his combine in 2012 so he’s not the kind of athlete they’ve generally gone for. They are likely to need to replace Bruce Irvin. This would be one way of doing it — using their second rounder on a 26-year-old veteran.

No surprises here that Rubin re-signed. Pete Carroll praised him as the best three technique he’d had in Seattle. This is a positive move to begin free agency.

366 Responses to “Phil Loadholt staying with the Vikings, Rubin re-signs”

  1. Volume12 says:

    I saw someone say that Denver was gonna put a 2nd round tender on LB Brandon Marshall, and that Seattle and Miami might be interested.

    Have a hard time beleiving that one.

    • Rob Staton says:

      Thanks for the tip, added to the piece.

      If anyone sees anything (report, social media etc) let me know.

      • Darnell says:

        Forgive my ignorance, but I thought the Broncos already designated Von Miller as protected and that you can only do that with one player?

        • Volume12 says:

          I believe they franchised Miller.

        • Rob Staton says:

          They franchised Miller. Marshall is a restricted FA.

          • Brad says:

            CJ Anderson original round tender – He wa in drafted – last year was abysmal, but like Murray he excelled as the feature back in 2014 (with much less snaps). Could be an option.

            • Brad says:

              Undrafted* per PFF

            • GeoffU says:

              Was he abysmal last year? Had the sames 4.7 y.p.c. as the year before. Statistically speaking, he was pretty much the same, and running behind a bad/inexperienced o-line.

              • Minnesotan says:

                He was abysmal if you had him in fantasy! But he started off the year hurt and that mired him in a timeshare with Hillman which the Broncos seemed loath to abandon until the playoffs even though CJA was vastly more efficient from November on. (I think SB50 was his first start.)

                His regular season line after week 6: 85-540-5 for 6.4 ypc
                Then in the postseason he went 54-234-2 at 4.3 ypc

                He just turned 25 and has barely 400 career carries, including postseason. He’ll be good get if someone can pry him away on a bargain contract.

          • RWIII says:

            Tell Denver they can KEEP Marshall. However I would be interested in Georgia RB Keith Marshall.

  2. Nick says:

    Bummer. Not the end of the world, however.

  3. D says:

    Trade in the works sending Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso to MIA for draft picks… Chip really missed the mark with those moves.

  4. Nick D. says:

    If we picked up Brandon Marshall would we lose our second round pick this year or next?

  5. cha says:

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    25m

    #Eagles have made it known that it’s not just DeMarco Murray who is available, but also Ryan Mathews, as well, for the right price.

    View details · Reply Retweet Like

    Ian Rapoport Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    1h

    #Seahawks LB Bruce Irvin has clear interest from #Jaguars & #Falcons, with many connections. But keep an eye on #AZCardinals. They like him

    • Volume12 says:

      Think Seattle will make a trade for someone, re-sign Lane and Tuba, either keep ‘Bane or grab another cheap vet DT, and sign an O-lineman.

      Okung is the wildcard for me.

    • Darth12er says:

      I like Irvin, and wish him well. Would hate to see him on a division rival.

      • Miles says:

        I would want Ryan Mathews way more than DeMarco Murray, especially for that price. I think Mathews is a good player man. He’s exactly the type we want and we can have him for $3m and probably a mid-round pick.

    • cha says:

      Justin Arbogast
      @NFLGuy_SK
      4m

      #Cardinals have their sights set on #Seahawks LB Bruce Irvin, and may end up snagging him away.

      View details · Reply Retweet Like

  6. Matthew Ice says:

    Rapoport tweeting that the Jags and Falcons are aiming for Bruce Irvin. Also, says that the Cardinals are among those interested as well. It’s pretty much a certainty that Bruce is gone (he’s hinted as much on twitter), but he would be an interesting player in that defense…..Only good thing that could come out of him going to Arizona is if he milks them for every dollar. Which they probably pass on. Hopefully.

  7. vrtkolman says:

    It doesn’t surprise me to see the Seahawks interest in Marshall. He’s one of the best non-pass rushing linebackers in football. He would be an upgrade over Bruce Irvin the linebacker. Great run defense and coverage ability.

    • Volume12 says:

      I like him.

      Even if Seattle doesn’t get him, IMO he’s the kind of LB they’ll target in the draft.

      • D says:

        Is he the type of athlete they usually target? 4.81 seems really slow for the LB group.

        • vrtkolman says:

          Probably not, but sometimes the player is so good that it doesn’t matter what his athletic profile is. I feel like Michael Bennett is the same.

        • Volume12 says:

          Not usually.

          I just meant I think they’ll target a LB with his size and skill set, if the pass rushers are gone. Keep an eye on Vandy’s Stephen Weatherly though.

          Not sure how much I believe that rumor.

          • Volume12 says:

            I ama big fan of B-Marsh 2.0 however.

            Playmaker, always around the ball, and helps create TO’s.

            • D says:

              Yeah he and Danny Trevathan both seem to make plays despite any perceived athletic limitations.

  8. Collins says:

    A 2nd round pick for a solid, starting LB isn’t all that bad I guess. Would he be a better fit than anything we would find in the 2nd round? Plus he makes an immediate impact.

    • Volume12 says:

      Possibly.

      Here’s how I look at it, and some may disagree. They’re not gonna fill every hole or take care of every need in the draft with rookies. Yes, you build through the draft, but not every rookie is Tyler Lockett, RW, Rawl, etc.

      If they gotta give up a draft pick to get a particular player they want, however it is, so be it.

      Quality over quantity.

      • Volume12 says:

        *whoever

      • ClevelandHawk says:

        It’s not just the pick though – you are also giving him a fat contract (relative to LB wage scale). In my view, bad teams give up picks and salary. Smart teams will only do one of the two. Put differently, you have to develop and retain your own guys. Even Denver’s free-agent fueled surge was built on signing players who didn’t carry compensatory picks.

        • David says:

          Jimmy Graham. Percy Harvin.

          • Dawgma says:

            … are two examples why it’s a dumb move to trade draft picks for the right to pay aging and/or troubled players high salaries.

            • Volume12 says:

              And those are also examples of them not being afraid to pull the trigger on a guy if they feel he’s a differencd maker and better than the options in the draft.

              • ClevelandDuck says:

                Good points. Not sure, however, if there are examples where it has worked out. Marshawn isn’t in the same camp, since his salary was relatively low and the compensation was small. And, outside of the Seahawks, I am not coming up with successful examples off the top of my head. Carson Palmer to the Raiders stands out as a fail; Sam Bradford isn’t really the same but is a big fail; Buffalo trading for Shady looks bad. I know John and Pete made the trades, but it is hard to see them doing it again. Burn me twice … Indeed, if you look at the challenges Seattle faces in maintaining their dominance, they were greatly exacerbated by the dollars and opportunity cost of those two trades. Maybe that’s not fair because every team misses, but I’m struggling to see how the “swing for the fences” mentality has worked in the NFL. I’m more impressed with the Hawks’ courage to move decisively on from Harvin.

                • David says:

                  I’m not saying that I think those trades worked out beautifully nor am I saying that I think they should give up a draft pick and cap space for Brandon Marshall, my personal feeling is that they should focusing cap space on solidifying the line. What I am saying is that the precedent has been set that PCJS is not afraid to give up picks or salary to a player that they want.

                  Regardless of how you feel about Harvin or Graham I doubt those outcomes are going to cause PCJS to clam up and rely solely on the draft to supplement talent. Draft picks, while cheaper, are even more of a question mark than veterans. You’ve given a few examples of veterans that didn’t work out to expectations, I can give you hundreds of draft picks that didn’t meet expectations. Jadaveon Clowney comes to mind as one.

              • Del tre says:

                You’re just completely wrong about that both played to their value Harvin helped get us a ring who cares I will take that over a round 1 selection anytime

                • Miles says:

                  The Seahawks would have won that game anyway with or without Harvin. He just helped make it a more convincing win. Did we get something out of Harvin? Most definitely. Was he worth all the money? No. Hindsight’s 20/20.

                  • Del tre says:

                    He was worth the paycheck what matters getting the Lombardi, secondly graham has been an all star and was the teams leading receiver until he got injured. It’s inaccurate to say the Seahawks have not traded well

  9. cha says:

    D.A. Osorio
    @Disable_MMi
    2h

    Solid player. RT @Connor_J_Hughes: Jets have expressed interest in #Seahawks G J.R. Sweezy, per report wp.me/p76x19-1BMo

    • cha says:

      Rand Getlin
      @Rand_Getlin
      3h

      One player generating a ton of early interest? #Seahawks OG J.R. Sweezy. I’m told at least 10 teams have expressed serious interest.

      • Robert says:

        I predict all it takes is a week of a coach screaming in a bull horn to keep low in pass pro and he will be a great oline man.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

        Sweezy needs to give his agent extra money for this “rumor”… he is earning his pay

  10. Nathan says:

    According to NFLtraderumours the deal to send maxwell and alonso to Miama is nearly done.

  11. Darth12er says:

    Jeron Johnson was released, any thoughts on if he comes back? I’d wager no.

    • Miles says:

      Why not? He showed he is not a starter in the league. But he’s a great special teams player. There might be some team out there that will put $2-$3m on the table for a ST guy, but he fits best with the Seahawks. If he would sign here cheap it’s a no-brainer. We would have so much depth – Thomas, Chancellor, then Shead, McCray and Johnson.

      • Darth12er says:

        Don’t get me wrong, I get all that. I feel like he’s already hit his ceiling. The back end of this roster/pc should be full of guys like this with more potential..IMO

      • JimQ says:

        Long range planning for the Safety position is a NEED (IMO).

        Toward the end of last season and in the Super Bowl, both ET & Kam were hurt and playing less effectively as a result. Neither player is getting any younger and indeed all good things eventually come to an end, I don’t see much of an urgent need this year, but looking a couple of years down the line, an emergency could exist in the defensive backfield, sooner than most would hope.

        Thomas & Chancellor backups on the current roster are listed below along with potential replacements for them (eventually) in the coming draft. NOTE: Simmons & Davis are #1 & #2 in Safety spark rankings this year. SEE: http://3sigmaathlete.com/rankings/ds/
        Justin Simmons 134.9-spark, 96.2 NFL%,
        Sean Davis 134.6-spark, 93.3 NFL%.

        If the Seahawks should draft only one of these guys, I’d prefer Sean Davis and his ability to play both FS ands CB, he’s a really big hitter (5-FF in 2015) who is very active and gets lots of solo tackles. Watching Davis play reminds me of a combination of both ET & Kam.

        Simmons MAY need a redshirt year to bulk up & learn before he might possibly replace Chancellor and/or McCray, however his #’s indicate that he is very much a special athlete at the DB position that needs to be a Seahawk. In the event that Chancellor is traded this year or next, McCray will need competent competition – so a 6-th round pick (#172 as proposed) might be a great “futures” pick in the 2016 draft.

        —-Earl Thomas (drafted 2010).
        5-10/202, 31-1/4″ arms, 9-3/8″ hands, 4.43/40, 21-BP, 113″-BJ.

        —-(Current ET backup) = Steven Terrell (2013) UDFA out of Texas A&M)) non-combine, no #’s available. (Note: 2-yrs as a Seahawk & has 4 tackles total, so far…………
        —-(2016 possible replacement for Terrell) = FS/CB-Sean Davis (2016), 6-1/201, 31-3/8″ arms, 9.5″ hands, 4.46/40, 21-BP, 37.5″-vert, 126″-BJ, 6.64-3cone, 3.97-20yd shuttle.
        Note: Davis is 3″-taller & .03- seconds slower than ET with GREAT quickness, explosion & flexibility #’s.

        —-Likely to cost pick #90 in the coming draft. (Doubtful to last until pick #125.)

        ———————————————————————————————————————-

        —-Kam Chancellor, (drafted 2010),
        6-3/231, 33″ arms, 9-1/2″ hands, 4.62/40, 22-BP, 32″-vert, 116″-BJ, 20yd shuttle 4.41.

        —-(Current Kam backup) = Kelcie McCray (drafted 2012); 6-2/202, 4.54/40, 12-BP, 30″-vert, 122″-BJ, 7.00-3cone, 4.29-20yd shuttle, 11.56-60yd shuttle,
        —-(2016 possible replacement for Chancellor/McCray) = FS-Justin Simmons (2016), 6-2/202, 32-5/8″ arms, 9-5/8″ hands, 4.61/40, 16-BP, 40″-vert, 126″-BJ, 6.58-3cone, 3.85-20yd shuttle, 10.84-60yd shuttle.

        —-Likely to cost pick #172 in the coming draft. (IF he’s available, Hawks unlikely to draft him at #125.)

        In both cases above, I’d like to point out that the Seahawks like to compare potential draft picks to existing roster players with the hope that they can improve position competition and the overall roster.
        Thoughts?

  12. Ed says:

    I’m good with letting them all go outside of Rubin. Shead showed he can play corner, so a young guy needs to step up and play slot. Wouldn’t mind the idea of Bennett if it was not too expensive. Bennett and Graham should really improve that red zone.

    • Rob Staton says:

      Shead had his bad moments too…

      • vrtkolman says:

        I agree, I wouldn’t be comfortable with Shead starting full time. On the bright side, the corner position is pretty loaded right now, it’s very deep.

        • Miles says:

          By a show of hands, who would have done that trade for Maxwell today? We’d pay him $8m next year – which is a lot – but it would essentially lock down that CB spot. Which as of right now is going to be hard to do.

          • cha says:

            Do you have the details of Maxwell’s contract reworking and the draft pick compensation?

            • Miles says:

              I don’t. But it sounds like Philadelphia is taking on most or all of his current cap hit. Which is insane.

              • Greg Haugsven says:

                Jeron Johnson released today as well. Could maybe use him for depth at Safety

          • Robert says:

            Disagree. One of our young developing DBs will emerge according to Pete’s history.

      • Ed says:

        Who doesn’t. He was always there, never got beat badly and never got beat deep. He is not getting enough credit for the job he did.

        • Rob Staton says:

          It’s not just about getting beat in this defense though. It’s about doing your job, sticking to what you do. Everything works as one in this scheme. There was talk a few times of Shead getting out of position. From memory Lane played a lot outside when they could.

          Nobody’s bad mouthing Shead or saying he didn’t do a good job. But there’s a difference between being pretty good and needing him to be the every week starter outside.

          • Ed says:

            Agreed. I just think Shead being the #2 is ok by me, because their are bigger needs on the team and Lane wasn’t that great to warrant a lot of money. So for my money, ride out Shead, let Lane go and use money and picks on OL/DL, maybe a WR.

            • Rob Staton says:

              Did you see how the cornerback play impacted the team when Williams was struggling at the start of 2015?

              They were desperate to get Lane back in there on top of Shead getting more snaps.

              This is a key position for this team.

              • drewjov11 says:

                Shead has almost zero instincts when the ball is in the air. For a taller corner, he fails to high point the ball. He’s not a starter, in my option for a contender.

                • drewjov11 says:

                  Opinion

                • Del tre says:

                  Except when he high pointed the ball in Arizona to make the Hawks the #1 scoring offense the guy didn’t get to go through camp at corner and was always with his man and made plays on the ball

            • reggieregg says:

              There is no bigger need than having a solid playmaker opposite Sherm. Balls get funneled to that side. Although our players are great the scheme is not designed for individual success. Having amazing players allows us to play a very vanilla defense. By having a weak second corner it becomes a huge liability. One chink in the armor and the whole defense suffers. That first option CAN NOT be open. The scheme is designed to dictate to the offense where they can go with the ball. IMO we should consider the nickel a starting spot and have 3 goood corners on the roster at all times.

          • Coug1990 says:

            I don’t remember that talk about Shead. I do remember that talk about Williams. I even heard Coach Richard saying in an interview that Shead is doing it the way they asked him. It was when Williams was released that the defense started playing like the Seahawks of old.

            Shead is not perfect, but neither has any CB that has played on the other side of Sherman.

            • Rob Staton says:

              Shead had his moments, you’ll have to trust me on that one.

              Good player for this team but not someone I’d want to rely on as the de facto #2.

      • 503Hawk says:

        Shead is strictly a utility DB, occasional starter.

  13. HawkfaninMT says:

    A name going unmentioned all over, and maybe I’m missing something…

    If RTis found to be our need, or as a LG, what about Andre Smith? Would come cheap, lots of experience, size they like…. 2nd or 3rd wave type player they tend to snag sometimes no?

    Also, would still love Brandon Brooks! Haven’t heard much about him thus far today

    • Greg Haugsven says:

      Brooks fits there mold for sure. Dudes a house.

    • Rob Staton says:

      Brooks linked to $8m APY by Jason Cole. Can’t imagine the Seahawks doing that for a guard.

      On Smith — the Bengals ran him into the ground and drafted his replacement a year ago. I just can’t see it.

  14. Ukhawk says:

    John Clayton on ESPN Radio Saturday saying that Okungs market will be likely to be very thin, low demand for LT. Thinks only 2-3 teams might be interested and 2 of those will be looking retain their own LTs. Says wouldn’t be surprised if Okung was forced to sign a 1 year deal for ~6-7m

  15. Greg Haugsven says:

    That sucks, he seemed like he’d fit hood here. At tackle or guard. Don’t even know if they were interested anyways.

  16. EranUngar says:

    I wonder what could be worse – Facing Irvin twice a year as a card or facing Sweezy twice a year as 49er??

    For OG J.R. Sweezy, teams who’ve expressed interest: #Bucs, #Falcons, #Lions, #Dolphins, #Saints, #49ers, #Jags, #Bears, #Jets, others.

  17. smitty1547 says:

    irvin way worse, we would kill Sweezy, get 10 sacks that week.

  18. reggieregg says:

    At this current time how do we replace Bruce Irvin in house? I think between clark and marsh we can get the pass rush but which of our lbs is ready to step into that starting lb position?

    • cha says:

      Kevin P-L would be an option but he’s got to improve his play. Got some real playing time this year and didn’t set himself as the natural successor. Morgan got subbed in for him at times.

      • C-Dog says:

        Pinkins might be a dark horse. They were trying him at SAM last offseason. Looked decent towards the end of the preseason. Definitely has the athletic upside.

      • Miles says:

        Why were the Seahawks so excited about KPL? He seems very athletic and high character, but his play was abysmal. Is he just not responding to coaching or what?

        • ClevelandDuck says:

          You nailed it. They were excited about his athleticism and character. He wouldn’t have been a fourth rounder if he could ball. They were hoping he could pick up the instincts, I guess. He is also a (very muscled) thin player, without the sand to holdup to power. Travis Feeney strikes me as a taller version of KPL, in that regard: super SPARQ guys who are fast enough to be very effective college athletes without the frame to succeed in the NFL.

  19. cha says:

    Gee Scott 710ESPN
    @TheGeeScott
    10m

    Seahawks have offered @Mebane92, and there are 3 other teams that are interested. #Seahawks #FreeAgency

  20. KingRajesh says:

    Rob, quick question. If the FO was looking to move Kam Chancellor, and we were also going to send our 4th rounder with him, do you think a team would give us their 2nd?

    • Rob Staton says:

      I don’t know. I doubt we’ll ever find out.

      • KingRajesh says:

        Trying to figure out a way to get a disgruntled player off the books while still adding top flight talent. Perhaps it might be enough to get Keanu Neal in addition to Ifedi and Feeney in the first two rounds, then round out the 3rd with Dahl and Prosise.

        That’s one hell of haul for 3 rounds, even if you have to send Chancellor elsewhere.

        • Rob Staton says:

          Is Chancellor disgruntled though?

          He took a chance and failed. There’s nothing to say he’s still on the warpath. He might’ve realised the error of his ways.

          • KingRajesh says:

            It’s possible. If he’s still looking for more $$$, we’ll have to move him, and I’d rather move him before/during the 2016 draft to help the team this year, rather than have his absence hurt the team and pick up a 3rd in 2017.

            Can you run the risk of having him hold out again? Sure, we have Kelcie McCray, but I’d rather strike first and get a cheap stud replacement in there from the draft rather than play the waiting game to see if Kam really does “love his brothers” as much as he professes to.

            • Rob Staton says:

              “Can you run the risk of having him hold out again?”

              Sure.

              It’s not like it worked well for him last time. He isn’t doing that again. It was a total mess on his behalf.

              If they know they have to deal him — they’ll do it. But us speculating on how he or the team might be feeling seems pretty futile right now.

              • Coug1990 says:

                I find that last sentence odd considering “speculating” on who the Seahawks will draft is the main focus on the blog.

                • franks says:

                  He’d have to be crazy to hold out again. He could ask for a trade but there’s no indiction he has.

            • franks says:

              It’s almost guaranteed that he’s getting traded if he holds out again. Kam’s smart and he has an agent, there’s no way he doesn’t know this.

              A replacement isn’t cheap if it costs a first rounder.

              I think we, the fans, should give Kam another chance. He’s sacrificed a lot for this team.

          • vrtkolman says:

            I think him looking at buying a gym in Redmond speaks a lot to his future here. A failed holdout doesn’t necessarily mean there will be bad blood. Maybe he saw what Bennett last year and will go all out and then try for a raise again.

        • Darnell says:

          Jags need a defensive leader and to make an splash defensively. Kam and Hawks late 4 for Cypiren and their 2.

          • Rob Staton says:

            C’mon guys.

            • Nick says:

              Agreed

              • D says:

                I doubt the Kam and Jimmy speculation will end until the season starts, maybe the trade deadline, regardless of how nonsensical it is

                • manthony says:

                  I think Kam still has a chance to regain his form of a couple years ago. Last season wasn’t his best, but it is not uncommon for really good players to have “down” years. Sometimes those type of years refocus the play let and they come back more determined then ever.
                  This is a key member of the defense, and I have more faith that he’ll regain form, then I have in a rookie to come in here and do half the things Kam does.

        • reggieregg says:

          I trust that Bam Bam is putting in mad work …I fully believe he is going to show up to camp shredded and on a mission. Shoring up that 2nd corner spot is what allows him to play like a heat seeking missile.

  21. Trevor says:

    That Marshall rumour makes no sense to me. He is a nice LB but we would have to pay him $6 mil APY and give up a 2nd rounder. I think that would be a terrible move as you could get a really high quality rookie LB with that second round pick and save 5+ mil in cap space. Really really hope they do not make that move.

    • matt says:

      Completely agree.

      • C-Dog says:

        Yeah, I don’t fully buy that either, but Marshall is a nice player. If true, perhaps it’s a sign that they don’t want to go LB in R1, and in R2 around pick 56, they don’t see value there. A R2 pick seems pretty high for Marshall.

        • Rob Staton says:

          If the Seahawks think he’s an impact player, that they’ll struggle to fill the LB position in the draft, that he grades far better than the guys on their roster and they don’t really think much to the value at #56 — they’ll consider moves like this. They’ve consistently looked at these types of moves and completed a couple.

          Chances are they’ll just kick the tires — but they have major previous here.

          • RWIII says:

            Rob what you are saying is true. But they have NOT done that well. They traded first and third for Harvin and traded a first for Jimmy Graham.

            • Del tre says:

              OK well Harvin was worth it, so was graham.
              Imagine this it’s super bowl 48 start of the second half Doug Baldwin comes out and fumbles the ball, or he comes out and the Hawks get a 3 and out. That’s good enough for me he helped us get a rung
              Graham was worth it while he was on the field and will probably continue to produce later

          • C-Dog says:

            Yeah, I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility. If it happens, I’m good with it. Marshall’s a good backer, and youth on his side. I just wonder if this tweet from Renck is speculation in anticipation of Seattle loosing Irving.

            • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

              It is speculation to try to drive the trade market up for Marshall.

            • hawkdawg says:

              The trouble with that theory is that Marshall is a much different player than Irving. Maybe that’s what they want now, though…

    • vrtkolman says:

      Marshall would be much better than any 2nd round LB we can pick. He’s really an elite defensive player, overshadowed by a lot of amazing teammates.

      • bobbyk says:

        To counter that, we could also trade our 1st round pick for Muhammed Wilkerson. He’s better for ’16 than anyone we could get at #26.

        Sign Marshall and give up our second.

        To continue, we could trade a fourth rounder for Ryan Matthews. He’s better than anyone we’ll get in that round for ’16.

        Never mind there’s a salary cap. After all, all these new guys would be better than anyone we could draft. I’m sure there’s someone who makes a lot of money that we could trade our third round pick for, too.

  22. bobbyk says:

    I hope the Marshall interest is just a rumor that doesn’t come to fruition. It makes no sense to pay a guy a lot of money when you don’t have a lot of cap room AND to give up the opportunity at your own second round pick. Keep in mind, the second round pick comes with four years of minimal cost to your salary cap, too. I understand we are in a “championship window,” but with the core of this team the way it is and Russell Wilson as our franchise QB, we are also in a championship window three and four years from now, too. Everyone knows that the way to sustained success is to draft well, not to pay big bucks in free agency AND lose high draft picks in the process.

    If we get Marshall, I’ll cheer for him like crazy. I just don’t think it’s a good idea if you have a long-term vision. If you’re a GM who’d like to run the Packers ASAP or a coach who’d like to get back to LA, then I think it makes perfect sense to want to have Marshall instead of a draft pick if the focus is solely on 2016. As a fan who is going to be a fan of this team, guaranteed, for a long, long time… I’ll take the second round pick.

    • Tien says:

      I agree with you on Marshall, bobbyk. He’s a good/solid player but to me, does not seem like a difference maker (i.e. having or not having him shouldn’t make much a difference as to whether the Hawks go back to the SB or not) at LB and I don’t like the price of a 2nd draft pick AND potentially about $8 million a year in salary. With the Win Forever philosophy, I’d be surprised if the Hawks give much this much resources for a player, whose short-term benefits may not even be that impactful. I’d rather take our chances with getting Bruce’s replacement in the draft or else a cheaper stopgap veteran.

    • Dave says:

      4.81 for a Seahawks LB? Nah, man. At post-SB48 press conference, Pete Carroll said if you’re not big and fast, you can’t play for the Seahawks. Our DEs run faster than him with 20-40 more lbs on them.

  23. cha says:

    Bob Condotta

    @bcondotta

    No Seahawks moves today listed on official NFL transactions release.

    2:38 PM – 7 Mar 2016

    • Attyla the Hawk says:

      Does Lynch have to be placed on the reserve/retired list by Seattle prior to the new league year? Curious how that process works. Does he have to submit retirement papers first?

      • AlaskaHawk says:

        I would think Lynch’s situation is similar to Manning. Paperwork for retirement has to be filed today or Seahawks will be on the hook for next years salary.

  24. Nick says:

    Demarco Murray looks like he’s going to Tennessee per Schefter.

  25. Dylan says:

    Omar Kelly saying Calais Campbell being shopped? Confusing to me that you would trade him and spend big money to bring Bruce in. Just a rumor at this point anyways.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

      Re allocating resources. They could find a similar or higher upside player in the 1st round of the draft + solidify a very athletic LB group….. they could go to a SB with the front 7, if everything breaks right (and Palmer stays upright).

      • C-Dog says:

        Interesting. I wonder if this could become a trend with the young DL’s in coming in through the draft. Teams looking to shop high priced older players to clear up space.

  26. Wall UP says:

    Any offers out there for Lane? Lane, Rubin and Mebane would be priority FAs to return, along with Okung.

    • bobbyk says:

      Hawks have an offer for Mebane. Details unclear but an offer has been made.

    • WALL UP says:

      No offers for Lane yet, is a good thing. Saw Gee’s tweet. I think Mebane stays.

      • C-Dog says:

        Maybe, looks like he could have a few suitors, as well.

      • CHawk Talker Eric says:

        @NFLDraftBites: Still hearing Raiders in Jeremy Lane… As are Falcons, Jags, Giants, Browns & Bears Oh My. Deep Market, not same # as Byron Maxwell last yr

        • C-Dog says:

          I kind of think he might be out-y. They stock piled quite a bit a corner. Raiders and Jags are going to have a ton of cash to spend.

  27. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    SEA interviewed Auburn CB Blake Countess after the Auburn pro day.

    Countess, 5’10” 185lbs, had a 4.46 40-yard, 36.5″ VJ, 10’02” BJ, and 21 reps BP.

    • icb12 says:

      Underrated guy IMO. I didn’t think he would have had the length Seattle likes though.

      Peyton Barber impressed too from what I read.

    • Volume12 says:

      Nice. He was a good looking player at Michigan last year too.

      • Volume12 says:

        Maybe this is why they didn’t keep Burley.

        The type of guy that’s easily replaceable in a draft.

        CHAWK, when we were debating who they liked at Auburn, it’s possible it was him the whole time,

        • CHawk Talker Eric says:

          Wouldn’t that be typical? We only think we know who they’re looking at.

    • Dave says:

      How long are his arms?

      • Volume12 says:

        Don’t know, but they don’t have as many thresholds for their nickel corners, which is what Countess would be.

        And if he’s an UDFA, then it would be no different than Burley, who IIRC has 31″ inch arms. No cost/no risk.

  28. CharlieTheUnicorn says:

    Three guys have peaked my interest, for differing reasons.

    There is the rumor that Ryan Mathews is on the block. He is a rough runner and has roughly the size Seattle likes at RB. He is a veteran, but can bring some different tools to the position, specifically he can catch passes out of the backfield.

    Fellow NFCE players Safety Jeron Johnson has been cut by the Redskins. He played in Seattle and did an overall nice job as a back-up safety. Scheme fit and familiarity would make this a possible move. HE would not be making too terribly much and would not count toward comp picks. The other player I had seen mentioned somewhere was FB Darrel Young. He has been part of blocking for a very successful 2014/2015 rushing attack in Washington. I could see a natural fit in Seattle and he also wouldn’t count vs the comp picks in 2017.

    Both of these veterans (Mathews/Young) could provide insurance for Seattle at RB/FB for one more year…. then hit the jackpot at RB in the loaded 2017 draft. This would definitely be worth checking out as the FA period progresses.

  29. smitty1547 says:

    Mathews has trouble staying healthy, Johnson will more than likely want a chance of more playing time than he knows he would get here.

  30. 503Hawk says:

    Besides the Philadelphia, Tennessee, Miami moves, not much out there today.
    Will curious what happens from Wednesday on concerning Okung

  31. bobbyk says:

    Looks like Vikings are “all in” on Osemele (and have retained Loadholt). Seems to be he’ll be playing for the Vikings or Raiders next year.

    This would certainly mean that the Vikings would release Kalil. Pete recruited him and he’s athletic. This would become another LT option for us in ’16. He’s not bad. He just hasn’t lived up to his billing as the fourth overall pick. He’s better than a clown like Joeckel though. He’s also played in a Pro Bowl (as a rookie) and is still young. Just throwing it out there.

    • BHarKnows says:

      How much would it cost though? We have limited resources and Pete has said multiple times he’s trying to keep the core group together.

  32. reggieregg says:

    Rob
    With Irvin leaving. What kind of linebacker skill set would be ideal for that lb spot in our scheme? I have always been of the belief that we could get more out of his spot. Always felt like if he’s not rushing he doesn’t need to be on the field.

    • Rob Staton says:

      I think a very athletic, all-round playmaker (cover, rush) is what they’d like to have. Or a ‘deathbacker’.

      • reggieregg says:

        Since there is just not another guy like irvin. I like the deathbacker concept! If Neal is gone at 26 who are maybe two other guys that fit the bill for deathbacker coming out of college I can watch some tape on??

        • Rob Staton says:

          Travis Feeney is a former safety. Su’a Cravens likewise. Not sure Cravens is athletic enough though. Mikes Killebrew another option.

          • purpleneer says:

            Feeney played safety in high school, but looked out of place even then and it was never a consideration for him in college. If his coverage can be limited to underneath stuff, it could work though.

  33. Ed says:

    L. Miller would be quite a catch. He runs hard, catches the ball well and still has young legs since the Fins didn’t know how to use him. Pair him with Rawls, and you have two possible 15+ carry backs.

  34. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    SEA resign Big Rube to a 3-year deal.

    • C-Dog says:

      Boom. There you go.

      • Volume12 says:

        With the way PC was gushing over him, there was no doubt in mind that they were letting him go,

        • C-Dog says:

          Yeah. I wonder what they put in front of Mebane.

          • Miles says:

            If Mebane gets a better offer elsewhere, can’t be more than about $1m more. I don’t think that would be enough to get him out of Seattle. Could be wrong, but I think he plans on staying here barring a Browns-like offer from someone.

            • Volume12 says:

              ‘Bane has previously said he’d like to remain a Hawk.

              Let’s see if that holds up.

              And if it don’t, you can bet on them adding another DT. Either through the draft, FA, or both.

              • C-Dog says:

                My assumption is that the offer was probably well under the $5 mill he made last year. They asked him to take a pay cut in the preseason and he refused. My guess, is that he will test the waters for a better deal, and if the market is cold, come back.

                • Miles says:

                  This is just a pure guess but I’m betting we offered Mebane around $2m. Maybe even less. He’s an aging DT not known for rushing the passer and he fits best in our system. No one’s going to pay more for that especially with such a deep run-stuff DT class.

                  • Miles says:

                    And to be fair the Seahawks have been overpaying Mebane the past two years, for what they have been getting. I think Mebane has made as much money as he could’ve, and now it’s time for him to accept a greatly reduced salary.

  35. Landhawk says:

    Just saw on seahawks. Net that they re-sign ed rubin. I’ll check for a link.

    • Landhawk says:

      Per Mike Garafolo.

      • cha says:

        Mike GarafoloVerified account
        ‏@MikeGarafolo
        Seahawks have agreed to a three-year deal to retain DT Ahtyba Rubin, source says. Was a priority for them.

    • KD says:

      and per Danny Kelly. YES!

      • bobbyk says:

        When I talked with his wife after the Vikings play-off game, she said he definitely wanted to be back in Seattle! Good to see it happen.

        • David says:

          Bobbyk, I remember when you posted that story! And while I don’t necessarily always doubt people on the internet, you never know but I was hoping it was true. Looks like you were spot on!

          • bobbyk says:

            She also said that they lived in Florida even all those years he was playing in Cleveland. She said they only way they’d move (there is a daughter going to school) is if he signed back in Seattle and it was for more than one year. He liked (i.e. loves) Seattle that much.

        • reggieregg says:

          Went to school with her. She always expresses how much Tuba loves playing in Seattle.

    • vrtkolman says:

      That’s great, big move IMO. He was better than Mebane last year and is younger.

  36. Michael M. says:

    With Loadholt staying, I assume that increases the likelihood of Matt Kalil being available. Would the ‘Hawks have interest?

    • C-Dog says:

      Maybe. Former Pete player. Wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire in Minni, but maybe they would be interested in his upside.

  37. EranUngar says:

    Just checked Chad Reuter 4 round mock – http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000642027/article/fourround-mock-draft-30-texans-take-hackenberg

    His picks for us are ridiculous. However, this mock is interesting to check because of other guys available when we pick.

    Ifedi, Coleman, Martin, Ward are still there when we pick at 56. Dahl ia still there after the 4th.

    • Michael M. says:

      The scenario he presents would be awesome. I’d go something like this:

      1 – Emmanuel Ogbah
      2 – Shon Coleman
      3 – Adolphus Washington
      3 – Keith Marshall
      4 – Graham Glasgow

      And then I would do some cartwheels…

      • RWIII says:

        Michael M. So would I. I would be doing cartwheels with you. And I have never ever done Cartwheels before.

        • RWIII says:

          Michael M. So would I. I would be doing cartwheels with you. And I have never ever done Cartwheels before.

          BTW: I have warmed up BIG-TIME to Keith Marshall As A mid-round draft pick.

  38. coachmattson says:

    We just resigned Rubin! That was huge!!

    What’s next? Let’s hear your predictions.

    I say resigning Lane is in the cards tomorrow!

    Thoughts?

    • Robert says:

      I have doubts about Lane and Irvin. Okung is a maybe if the injury knocks his market down around 6 million? I think they will try to hold onto their cash and look for bargains late. RT and LG seem like priorities.

  39. Josh emmett says:

    Hey rob and all, love this blog and like that it keeps my Seahawk’s gears grinding all year, haha, I’ve come to the realization of life without Bruce Irvin. That being said I’ve seen Rob mock Travis Feeney in the 2nd, taking a swing at the Sam backer void left by Irvin. That’s good but this is the crazy ass Hawks on draft day! Haha, I’ve seen just about everyone drop Jaylon Smith to AT LEAST the 2nd round in every mock. Any chance the Hawks gamble on the Notre Dame backer and give him a redshirt year with a platoon approach to the SAm backer position this year? I’ve heard Jaylon Smith would be a top10 maybe even Top 5 pick. Very Seahawky right? Thoughts? Possibly even later in the draft? Could he fall all the way to the bottom of the second round?

    • Rob Staton says:

      I think Smith could fall into day three.

      • oz says:

        As do I. Also think Okung deal gets done.

      • Coug1990 says:

        This is sad for Smith. A meaningless game and his career may be over before it started. It is not the first athlete to perhaps have their career derailed, but it still is sad for the young man.

      • Josh emmett says:

        You know what the probabilty for recovery and able to ball again is for a knee nuke like that? I know Marcus Lattermore had a very similar knee injury and he didn’t make it back after a long fight with rehabilitation and PT.

    • reggieregg says:

      I try to figure how early I gotta take him but I make it a priority. We will never have the chance to draft a guy like that EVER! If it works out he will be the best linebacker on a team with 2 other pro bowl caliber LBs!

  40. John_s says:

    Numbers are in on Rubin’s contract.

    The #Seahawks signed DT Ahtyba Rubin to a 3-year deal worth $12M, source said. He gets $6M in year 1. He wanted to stay.

    • 12thManderson says:

      Beat me to it. #WINNING

      • Cysco says:

        I think this means we’ll see a reworked michael bennett deal announced soon to offset some of that 6m unless the bulk of the 6m is a signing bonus which gets spread out over the three years.

      • franks says:

        Glad we got him back, curious if that’s 6M against the 2016 cap, or with a signing bonus spread over 3.

        If it’s 4 per, cap room at 15.5.

        SB-OR-BUST Mock F.A./Draft:

        Irvin, Okung, Sweezy, Lane, Mebane, Kearse, Ryan walk.

        Sign Mario at 10M (what he’s asking) for one year, sign Penn at 5 per (what he made last time) for 2. Keep the same WR’s, “One-a-day’ Kevin Smith is the next Jermaine Kearse.

        Comps-Irvin R3, Okung R4, Lane R4, Kearse R5, Mebane’s comp for Penn.

        Draft-
        1-Ifedi LG. Learns next to Penn. Gilliam stays at Right. “Safe” approach to OL.
        2-Dieondre Hall CB. 34-3/4″ arms, 9-3/4″ hands, 37 ” vert, 10’7″ broad, good in cover 3, a little slow.
        3-Austin Johnson DT.
        3-Javon Hargrave DT
        4-John Theus, T
        5-Brandon Shell G/RT. In 2 years, with Gilliam and Shell on the left and Ifedi on the right, hawk OL is dominant.

        • Rob Staton says:

          Seahawks aren’t going to be spending $15m on two outside FA’s. Not even sure why anyone would even want them to or expect them to.

          Aside from 2011 they have never gone after first wave top tier FA’s. They consistently look for the market to come to them.

          • franks says:

            Wouldn’t call Penn a top tier FA, myself.

          • franks says:

            You’re right that it would break with the pattern, but not if Mario sticks to his guns in the first wave and doesn’t get signed.

          • franks says:

            Being more specific to your points, though, Penn=I’d like an OL that we can count on, Williams=improves our defense at a magnitude that no other options can.

            2013 we signed Bennett, Winfield, McFarlane. Bennett was expected to be an early sign that year and fell. Traded for Percy then traded for Jimmie. There is some precedent for landing big names.

            The Hawks went after Mario last time. He’s coming off a bad year in a scheme he didn’t fit. There’s an opportunity to buy low.

            • franks says:

              “#Dolphins nearing a deal with DE Mario Williams on a new deal. May be worth roughly $8M per year.” -Cole

        • Fatty Acid says:

          franks, I was waiting for that Hass comment haha

  41. Fatty Acid says:

    I’m not trying to be mean, but come on its free agency, and all the big networks can talk about it Manning. I get it, but surely there’s gotta be more to talk about!!

  42. Trevor says:

    Osemele to the Raiders and Megatron retires. Going to be a interesting week.

    • CHawk Talker Eric says:

      OAK also interested in Doug Martin. He could make a push for the rushing title behind that revamped OL.

      • cha says:

        Oakland might actually be on to something. As much as my Raider-hate lingers from the AFCW days I’d like to see them emerge in that division. Sick and tired of them being the division whipping boy.

        • CHawk Talker Eric says:

          Yeah I remember those days. Hating Ken Stabler and Dave Casper and Lester Hayes and….

          Anyway, it’s been long enough that I root for OAK now.

  43. Trevor says:

    What are peoples thoughts on Beachum as a Tackle option? He seemed to be a quality young player prior to the ACL injury. What will his market be like?

    • vrtkolman says:

      6-3 300 lbs…. He seems undersized and isn’t a very good run blocker. That doesn’t seem like a profile the Seahawks would be looking for.

  44. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    OAK give Osemele $60M over 5 years, or around $11M APY.

    This pretty much sets Okung’s market well above what SEA would be willing to pay.

    • vrtkolman says:

      I don’t think Okung is on the same level as Osemele. One is young and a rising star whereas the other is declining and breaking down. In fact Oakland is one of the few teams in the market for a LT. This might help Seattle.

      • AlaskaHawk says:

        Every free agency there are a few guys at each position that get overpaid (or paid what they are worth). Once the money is spent, the rest of the players at that position are left with signing a medium to low cost contracts. I’m guesstimating that there is enough money floating around for 2-3 big offensive linemen contracts. After that the salaries slip.

      • franks says:

        Hopefully they’ll get in a bidding war and get us a nice comp.

      • CHawk Talker Eric says:

        Really? Okung is only 2 years older than Osemele. 28 vs 26. In what universe is 28 declining and breaking down?

        Anyway, most analysts think Osemele’s big contract means good things for Okung. I can’t find one who thinks the opposite.

        • franks says:

          Well it’s not much older, but he is breaking down in the sense that he keeps getting hurt and when he’s healthy, he doesn’t play at the level that he used to play at.

          Osemele’s contract oughta be good for Russell if he knows how to negotiate. But the experience I’ve had in business tells me, the F.O.’s are going to low ball him and give him different reasons he’s not worth what he thinks he is. Because he doesn’t have the background in negotiations to stand firm on.

          • Miles says:

            If the Seahawks could end up getting Okung on a one year deal for around $7m, I would leap for joy. That is the best thing that could happen to the Seahawks this offseason. It would allow them to then draft his heir apparent for next year, this year, and ideally have that player play guard until next year. Then we can get the 2018 COMP pick.

    • lil'stink says:

      I had a thought that the Titans might be interested in Okung. Wouldn’t be surprised if they really want to trade down or draft Jalen Ramsey with the first overall pick instead of just taking Tunsil.

  45. vrtkolman says:

    If the Seahawks had made the trade for Maxwell and Alonzo, what would your guys’ thoughts be?

    • lil'stink says:

      Alonso is too injury prone and in the last year of his contract, and Maxwell is simply making too much. Will be interesting to see what his reworked deal in Miami looks like.

      • Miles says:

        I honestly feel like locking down the LCB spot is worth the cost of Maxwell ($8m for 2017). Yes it would hamper our ability to re-sign Okung, but it might be our most important need right now quite honestly. It is a very important position for us. And I could see that move making us easily the best defense again. That is more than worth for me. I would have done it.

        Alonso, I don’t know. I just think the draft can go a long way toward replacing Irvin.

        • Miles says:

          In addition, new CBs need to learn our system, and that takes a year. Maxwell already knows it AND he’s really good. I think $8m is cheap for that kind of thing.

          Who knows – Brandon Browner happened once upon a time. Maybe one CB will emerge next year and become the next one. SJB could be the perfect fit for Pete’s defense in that same vein.

          But if I were the Seahawks, I’d go with the sure thing.

  46. cha says:

    Ian Rapoport Verified Account

    @RapSheet

    The #Broncos are releasing guard Louis Vasquez, source said. Clearly some space, as he was to hit at $6.75M.

    • Miles says:

      I am truly intrigued by his player for the Seahawks. Big guard who fits the Cable profile for a LG at 6’5″ 330. And his numbers at his pro day were really athletic for a big man. Particularly the vertical, the broad and the 10 split.

      Dates: 03/12/09
      Height: 6046
      Weight: 333
      40 Yrd Dash: 5.22
      20 Yrd Dash: 2.95
      10 Yrd Dash: 1.73
      Vertical Jump: 30 1/2
      Broad Jump: 08’07”
      20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.94
      3-Cone Drill: 7.66

      • 75franks says:

        I disagree about the “profile” for left guard. both britt and carp were drafted to play rt tackle not lg. they only moved over because they couldn’t play rt. and gallery was brought in because he was familiar with cables scheme and could help the others learn. so really we don’t know what the “profile” is for lg. just sayin.

        • Josh emmett says:

          The pro game is more and more resembling the college game. I’ve noticed a lot of teams use this method with the Oline that is pretty much the norm of intruducong young new offensive linemen into the rotation. The young offensive line prospect comes in at RT and depending on depth at the position and rest of the line’s availability the coaches will do one of 3 things the next year. 1: The RT has a good enough skill set to stay at RT and continue develop there, or 2: move to LG because skill set is more for the interior line or because of need(free agency in NFL or LG graduating in college, 3: skills are good enough to be promoted to the blindside. The Hawks have taken a smiliar approach.

      • franks says:

        You forgot to include his name.

  47. cha says:

    Josina Anderson Verified Account

    @JosinaAnderson

    Just got off the phone with #Broncos DE Malik Jackson. I asked if definitively intends to leave Denver for Jacksonville. He said, “yes.”

    • CHawk Talker Eric says:

      @AdamSchefter: If and when DL Malik Jackson does sign with Jacksonville, deal expected to come in at about $15 million per season, per source.

      Wow. I guess this means JAX won’t go after Irvin.

      • rowdy says:

        Thats ridiculous

      • Miles says:

        I do not understand paying that much for Jackson. $15 mil? That is franchise player money for a guy who was a good interior rusher for one season. He’s a good player, but if you are going to have your 3T be your highest-paid player, you are going to miss out on getting really good players at premium positions in the future.

        • cha says:

          Jason La Canfora Verified Account

          @JasonLaCanfora

          Jags not close to done after agreeing with Malik Jackson. Still interested in top pass rushers and corners. Very active

          • Miles says:

            Bye Bruce. Would be happy with Bruce went to JAX. I’ve already made my peace he’s gone. I just don’t want him to go to AZ.

            • CHawk Talker Eric says:

              ARI reportedly very interested in JPP, who just resigned with NYG. Maybe they double down on their push for Irvin.

        • matt says:

          Jacksonville still has money to burn even after signing Jackson to $15 mil/year. They are obligated to spend big, and they got arguably the best player on the market. Great signing! It’s said that they’re still in on Vernon and Irvin-think Irvin makes more sense with his versatility. Can never have too many pass rushers. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them sign Mack, and actually get him this time. haha I’m excited to see what their roster looks like after FA and the draft. They could be contenders in the AFC South next year.

          • cha says:

            I really hope Fowler will be 100% for this year. That knee injury on the first play of practice? Sickening.

          • Miles says:

            Just don’t see how you can pay that much for a 3T. If nobody else plays well, your 3T is not going to help you. And the way to ensure nobody else plays well is if you tie up all your money in one player – especially one who plays a non-premium position.

            • matt says:

              Since when is an interior pass rusher a non-premium position? Jackson will likely play 5T on base downs and move inside on passing downs. I agree that $15 mil is a bit steep for Jackson, but Jacksonville has crazy cap room and got a very talented DLineman. Jax has Odrick at $8 mil, Marks at $4.67 mil and Fowler at $5.34 mil. it’s not like Jackson is going to be expected to be a one man wrecking crew. There’s some talent along their DL, Irvin would fit in perfectly playing the same role he’s played in Seattle for years.

              • Miles says:

                I see your point that interior pass rushers are helpful. And it’d be one thing if he was an established NFL star; he had one good year. Imagine if the Seahawks had re-signed Clinton McDonald on $7m APY. That’s not something the Seahawks would do, but some teams would! Malik Jackson had lots of production, but he doesn’t warrant that salary. When you consider that Fowler tore his ACL last year, their whole DLine is still a question mark and that is after they dumped the bank on Jackson. For $15m, you SHOULD be expecting the player to be a one-man wrecking crew ala Ndomukong Suh. Jackson is not that. You can achieve close to or the same as what the Jaguars just did with about a third of the money or an early draft pick.

                I think they had lots of options to improve their DLine. They happened to pick the least efficient one.

                • matt says:

                  Agreed that $15 mil for Jackson is a little high. The thing is even after signing Jackson JAX still has the most cap space in the NFL. They had $82.24 mil in cap space(per overthecap.com) going into today. Subtract $15 mil and they still have $67.24 mil to play with. Plenty of room for another few big contracts.

                  • Miles says:

                    That’s true. And maybe that makes all of this okay for them. I am just looking how inefficient the deal itself is. I really believe it doesn’t make sense unless you just have insane cap room.

                  • Volume12 says:

                    Even if you have a huge amount of cap space, it still isn’t a good deal and Malik Jackson isn’t gonna help this team a whole lot.

                    $15 mil for a guy that’s probably gonna get 3-5 sacks and limited amount of pressures/hurries?

                    They coulda found a guy like that in the 2nd wave of FA?

      • Darth12er says:

        Jackson is good, but he won’t be as good without Von Miller and Ware

    • vrtkolman says:

      That’s pretty huge. Jackson is one of those unsung heros. Major disruptors at 3-4 end spots are not easy to find. If Jax can land him and Irvin that would be a very solid free agency. Denver’s defense takes a big hit.

      • rowdy says:

        Hopefully they pay Irvin 15 mil a year

        • cha says:

          Yeah. The two 2017 comp 3rd rounders stand at Baltimore (Osemele) and Denver (Jackson) currently if the salary #’s are to be believed.

          • Trevor says:

            Bruce should get more than Osemele at least I hope.

            One thing that the crazy #s today so is that draft capital and making good use of it is going to be critical to maintain success going forward.

    • reggieregg says:

      Reading between the lines…….Broncos get a monster comp pick!

  48. cha says:

    James Palmer Verified Account

    @JamesPalmerTV

    Broncos have released TE Owen Daniels, who has played his entire career on 3 different teams with Gary Kubiak.

  49. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Richie Incognito is resigning with BUF

    • cha says:

      Ian Rapoport Verified Account

      @RapSheet

      The #Bills deal for G Richie Incognito is 3 years worth roughly $15M, source said. So, $5M per year. Not bad.

    • Miles says:

      Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 2 minutes ago
      The #Bills deal for G Richie Incognito is 3 years worth roughly $15M, source said. So, $5M per year. Not bad.

      So basically Sweezy is getting paid more than that.

      • Ground_Hawk says:

        Incognito went to the probowl this year, so I wouldn’t expect Sweezy to be offered more than 5 mil/year

  50. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    JPP resigns with NYG for 1 year/$10.5M.

    Apparently ARI made a big push for him.

    • vrtkolman says:

      The more pass rushers Arizona whiffs on the better, go NYG!!

    • matt says:

      Ian RapoportVerified account
      ‏@RapSheet
      The #Giants are expected to keep Jason Pierre-Paul, source said. It’s a 1-year deal. He turned down more money elsewhere.

      If this is true have to think Irvin gets $12+ mil.

  51. cha says:

    Tom Pelissero Verified account 
    ‏@TomPelissero
    #Seahawks gave DT Ahtyba Rubin a $4.5 million signing bonus on the 3-year, $12M deal he agreed to last night. Will make $6M in 2016.

  52. Trevor says:

    My dream scenario for balance of off season
    -Resign Lane (2yrs 10 mil)
    -Resign Okung (1 yr 8 mil)

    Draft
    Rd#1 Ogbah – Just looks like the ideal LEO
    Rd#2 Garnett -Our LG for the next 8-10 years
    Rd #3 Martin – I have seen him available in this range on a lot of big boards- A steal here and our 2016 C
    Rd #3 Comp Feeney- replacement for Bruce
    Rd#4 Willie Henry -Add Franks buddy to the DL
    Rd#5 Fhan Cooper – Give him a year to develop and slide in as RT in 2017 when Okung leaves.
    Rd#6 3rd Down RB like the kid out of Ariz St.
    Rd#7 Developmental QB
    Rd#7 Developmental DL prospect

    2016 OL Okung, Garnett, Martin, Glowinski, Gilliam
    2017 OL Gilliam, Garnett, Martin, Glowinski, Cooper

    • Rob Staton says:

      Where are you seeing Nick Martin available in the late third round???

      • Trevor says:

        All 4 NFL.com Analysts Jerimiah, Brooks etc. have put out their top 50 prospects and he is not on any of the lists. Chad Rueter, Matt Miller have him mocked in the mid/ late 3rd and Josh Norris does not have him in his top 75. The highest I have seen him mocked recently is #48 to Indy on Walter Football.

        I said this was my dream off season. I fully expect him to go in the 2nd round but stranger things have happened and even at the end of the 2nd he would be a great pick for the Hawks.

        • Miles says:

          Getting Martin at the end of the second round … words cannot express the awesomeness.

        • CHawk Talker Eric says:

          That’s the problem with Big Boards. Aside from being one person’s estimation, they rank prospects on an absolute scale without respect to needs. Drafts never go pure BPA (and again, it’s just one person’s take on BPA).

  53. Miles says:

    The Colts released Bjoern Werner today.

    Would just like to point out that the Seahawks will not even be aware that he was released. 😛

    • Cockney Hawk says:

      Rob, would the Hawks be interested In Bjorn projected 4-3 Strongside DE coming out of Florida State. Not sure what went on in Indy. 2013 COMBINE Figs- 4.83 SEC, 25 REPS, 31.0 INCH, 111.0 INCH, 7.30 SEC, 4.40 SEC. Could he be a possible cheap rotation guy at DE for us?

  54. Trevor says:

    Rob does Louis Vasquez (cut from Broncos) fit the Hawks LG profile?

  55. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    MIN have released Mike Wallace

  56. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    @mattlongsports: According to a source, the #Steelers #Seahawks & #Browns may show interest in aquiring RB Ryan Matthews. Most likely for low rd draft picks.

    @DavisHsuSeattle: Ryan Mathews is $4M cap hit in 2016 with $1M gteed

    • Volume12 says:

      I’d like Matthews.

      Not a big fan of the RB class this y

      • Volume12 says:

        *year.

        Let me rephrase that.

        It’s a mediocre running back class, and the guys you can get on day 3 look like better options.

    • Miles says:

      Knew it. Would be a good fit with us. People don’t yet know how good this move will be.

  57. Volume12 says:

    Glad that we can put the JPP, Incognito, and Mario Williams ‘what if’ scenario behind us.

    Williams plays with no motor, JPP is average, and Incognito is a punk,

  58. vrtkolman says:

    Chad Evans ‏@TheNBABreak 1h1 hour ago
    BREAKING: The @Jaguars and Bruce Irvin are putting the finishing touches on a deal. Dave Caldwell is on a mission.

    Same guy who broke the Malik Jackson deal. Really a best case scenario for us, he didn’t go to Arizona or SF. Good luck Bruce!

    • Volume12 says:

      Much better player than Malik Jackson.

      Bruuuuuce!

      The 12’s will miss ya my man.

      • vrtkolman says:

        Disagree with you there, both players greatly improve Jacksonville’s defense too. It’s rumored they are now going to go hard after Olivier Vernon. If they can land him and then with Dante Fowler back next year… look out. Their offense is already good. They might be my other team to watch next year.

        • vrtkolman says:

          both players greatly improve Jacksonville’s defense though.

          • Miles says:

            With 346 followers and being a freelance journalist though I’m not sure this is a credible source.

        • GeoffU says:

          They’re building quite the Dream Team

        • Volume12 says:

          Malik Jackson is not worth what he got.

          They coulda signed a guy in the next wave of FA that will give them the same amount of production.

          If I’m wrong about Jackson, I’ll eat some major crow.

          • vrtkolman says:

            Jackson isn’t really a common player though. An interior defender who is solid against the run and can pass rush at a high level. The only other player I can think of in free agency similar to that is Jaye Howard, and I don’t think he’s on Jackson’s level.

            • Volume12 says:

              I’ll just say this.

              Denver made the right move in prioritizing DT Derek Wolfe.

              Now maybe they couldn’t afford Jackson, who isn’t a bad player by any means, but they overpaid big time.

              Very few big money FAs work out.

    • Miles says:

      Yes lawd! This is good news.

    • Darth12er says:

      Good for Irvin, good for Gus Bradley, and good for the Hawks. Now let’s see the numbers on this.

  59. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    @BrockESPN: Hard to imagine JR Sweezy settling for anything less than $6 Million per season after Incognito inks this deal [@ProFootballTalk: Incognito: I took less money because Bills gave me a shot]

  60. Volume12 says:

    LB Danny Trevathan headed to the Bears. He’s a former VMAC visitor.

    RB Lamar Miller and the Houston Texans are trying to get something done before tomorow.

  61. Volume12 says:

    DT AJ Francis signed his tender.

    I got a feeling they like this guy and he’s gonna be a contributor for us this year.

  62. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    @RapSheel: The #Jaguars keep it going. They’ve reached an agreement with former #Seahawks LB Bruce Irvin. 5-Year Deal.

    Boom there it is.

  63. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    The real Rapoport twitter account says Mario Williams will sign with MIA.

    @RapSheet: The #Dolphins deal with pass-rusher Mario Williams should come today, sources says, and it’s expected to land him $8M per year.

    • Volume12 says:

      Is there any debate over whether who the kings of splashy off-season moves are?

      And yet, it still hasn’t worked out for them.

      • Rob Staton says:

        It’s funny watching all the praise going the way of perennial nobody’s splashing money in FA.

        That’s not how you build Champions.

        • vrtkolman says:

          It worked for Denver, although they weren’t nobodies.

          • Rob Staton says:

            That’s the point though.

            That was a team that used FA to push them over the top.

            The teams spending big now are spending to become relevant. And that almost never works.

            Identity and culture is the most important thing for a team. A clear, precise plan on and off the field. It’s hard to force players into that from the outside to build a winner. Especially when they’re nouveau riche.

            • SeventiesHawksFan says:

              I love your thinking throughout this thread. Nouveau riche is right haha.

        • Volume12 says:

          It really is.

          Sone of these teams have no idea what they’re doing.

          I’m sitting back and watching all these guys cashing in, getting way too much money, and it makes me laugh.

          PC/JS gotta be loving this. Then they’ll swoop in, get steals, and find actusl value and production. While everyone goes ‘why him?’

          • Rob Staton says:

            Can’t believe some of the Hawks fans on Twitter — “maybe we can sign this guy?”

            Honestly I’m not even interested. I hope they don’t sign anyone in the first wave. It’s not how this team has been built. Why are people pining for a Donald Penn?? The next man up concept is just fine for me. Look for value in the second and third wave, use the draft, keep your own.

            I’d honestly rather see Lane re-signed on $9m a year (deliberately exaggerated) than sign Donald Penn. The way to win is to retain your guys and build in the draft.

            • D says:

              Couldn’t you say that Denver somewhat “bought a championship” in free agency? Peyton, Ware, Ward, Talib, Sanders. I will still agree that more often than not its a recipe for disaster, but its not completely hopeless to spend on FAs.

              • D says:

                Sorry, didn’t see the comment above. Looks like you already gave an answer.

              • Rob Staton says:

                Also drafted Wolfe, Jackson, Von Miller, signed Marshall upon his JAX release, Trevathan, Demaryius, Sly Williams, Chris Harris, Osweiler. They went to the playoffs before Peyton with Tebow at QB.

                The FA’s pushed them over the edge, but they’ve built a team. If their D-line and linebackers won them a title — most of it was drafted.

                • D says:

                  Very good point. You could say similar things about the 2013 Seahawks with Bennett and Avril. Some additions to put them over the top but the core was built from within.

                  Can you think of an example where big FA spending resulted in a SB or even a deep playoff run?

            • Trevor says:

              I agree completely on Penn. I think people are just over reacting and having flashbacks to our OL at the start of last season and thinking it could be even worse unless we get some veterans. I am sure PCJS have a plan what will reveal itself soon. I don’t think a below average 32 year old Tackle in Penn is part of it however.

            • Ed says:

              I’m with you. Don’t even want to resign the remaining FA.

              Shead (Lane)
              Williams/Smith/Richardson (Kearse)
              Glowinski (Sweezy)
              Bailey (at worst and move to RT) (Okung)
              Pinkins/KPL/Moody (Irvin)

              I don’t think any of those replacements is an absolute drastic downgrade (outside of maybe Irvin) to the player leaving.

              • Rob Staton says:

                I’d like to see Lane re-signed, maybe Mebane.

                Rest? Won’t complain either way.

                • SeventiesHawksFan says:

                  Exactly my thoughts. Including what I think could be probable.

                  Rubin was the highest priority FA re-sign to me, because of the gaping hole that would have been left at DT if one of him or Mebane were not retained. Now they have flexibility for replacing or retaining Mebane.

                  I’d love to see them keep Lane, but don’t think we will get any kind of discount or prove it deal. He’s got nothing to prove to get a multi-year deal from a team that needs a starting corner. He’s healthy. And everyone knows he can play.

            • franks says:

              Next man up on the OL cost us home field last year.

              • Rob Staton says:

                No it didn’t.

                Last year wasn’t next man up. It was ‘who’s left?’

                Big difference.

                • franks says:

                  Well if Okung goes, God willing, who’s left? Backup end went to the giants a few years ago right, Marsh was next man up/left.

                  • franks says:

                    I don’t see the wisdom of digging on LT to pay a wr3/4 like Mathews.

                  • franks says:

                    Scrooging not digging

                  • Rob Staton says:

                    The difference between this year and last is they should be able to draft some good O-liners — and they have the money to sign a cheap vet. Last year they couldn’t get at Morse, Sambrailo or Marpet and didn’t have the cash for Wisniewski.

                  • franks says:

                    Certainly thats the case this year but why not be open to different options? Penns an every game left tackle and we’ve been missing that since Jones retired.

                    5 million for Penn is out of the question, but 5 for Matthews makes sense, 6 for marcellus Bennett is a deal and 8 for Mario is ridiculous.

              • Darnell says:

                Nah, even with a good oline would have had to go 15-1 or 14-2 with a win over the Panthers to wrap up HFA.

                • franks says:

                  THIS close to beating the Panthers and every other team we lost to. We might not have done 14-2 but we could’ve deff won the division and a bye week.

          • franks says:

            8M for Williams could be a steal. Someone will pay that for Okung if not more. Would you rather have Okung?

      • CHawk Talker Eric says:

        Interesting counterpoint by Mike Florio:

        “Meanwhile, some are chiding the Dolphins for their annual ‘big splash’ into the market, which includes a trade for cornerback Byron Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso. While a correlation between spending and winning is hardly established, keep in mind the reality that football ultimately is an entertainment business. Teams need to persuade fans to devote their time and money to the product, and one way to generate excitement (and to sell tickets and other stuff) is to bring new players to town.”

  64. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    NFL Network reporting that JAX likely to sign Olivier Vernon tomorrow to pair with Malik Jackson. If true, would mean they aren’t players for Irvin.

  65. Trevor says:

    Funny how the top organizations (NE, Pitt, GB, SEA) are not going out and signing big $ free agents from other teams.

    -Draft Well
    -Resign Core Players
    -Use free agents to get you over the hump if needed

  66. franks says:

    Bummer, we waived Jesse Williams.

  67. GeoffU says:

    Bummer, Drew Stanton going back to the Cards, I was really hoping we’d sign him. Ha. Ha ha.

  68. SeventiesHawksFan says:

    If the $14 million remaining figure is correct, I think we have room for only one outside free agent, probably a veteran for the O line. This assumes Mebane comes back. Bennett, Baldwin, Kam need reworked terms / extensions. And if Okung’s market is soft and he comes back, maybe we don’t sign any outside free agents costing more than 2 to 3 million.

  69. chris says:

    reports are saying that bruce is a raider.