Our impending Free Agents

[NorthHawk]

Golden Tate said he would take a 'Home Town Discount' and re-sign.
Michael Bennett says he wants to stay 100% with this bunch of guys.

I wonder how much is just Super Bowl euphoria and how much is real?

In any case, it seems the program Pete and John have set up is something that players like.
The winning doesn't hurt, either.

[Eaglehawk]

If there is anyone that can keep a team together, its PC and JC. So I would not be surprised in the least if they do that. Winning is contagious.

[Seahawker]

Here is a list of the teams in the best shape and #M under the cap.

Raiders 63
Jaguars 54
Browns 46
Bears 41
Colts 31
Bills 28
Dolphins 28
Redskins 28
Packers 26
Bengals 22

Concerning any of our FA's, another team would have to be highly motivated & willing to pay substantially more than Seattle. Once we extend a couple of contracts & make a couple of cuts we'll be fine. The only big question marks this offseason are Bennett, McDaniel, McDonald & Tate. If any of them leave for a boat load of cash, more power to them, it won't cripple us.
I think we can win two out of the next four Super Bowls, most anyone leaving for the $ will regret it, sooner or later.
Plus we've Still got Hill, Williams, Scruggs, Toomer, Simon, Michael in play.

[jshawaii22]

Talk is cheap, but so far, so good. WE need to sign Bennett and Houschka to new deals. They are both more important then Tate. Tate is OK, and a discount would be the only way I would resign him.

I agree that Sidney is probably gone, as well as Carpenter, Clemmons and Quis. Hopefully that will give us the $$$ to get Earl and Sherman extended, too.

I don't know what Russell and JayZ talked about in New York, but 20m a year will be the starting price if we're going for a 3-peat this time next year.

js

[Eaglehawk]

Has there ever been an off season with less to do? There are no real holes, and even the depth is in good shape.

In my mind, the most important free agent that we must resign is Bennett. Finding interior pass rushers is very difficult, much harder than finding edge rushers or run stoppers, and easier than finding pass catchers.

Some seem to be suggesting that we deal with our offensive line in the draft, but I am suggesting that we look instead at free agents from other teams. We have some promising young offensive linemen like Bowie and Bailey, and Sweezy is still learning the position, so adding more youngsters does not appeal much to me. I'd prefer to see if we can some vets to come in to compete with, or replace guys like McQuistan or Carpenter. This has to be an attractive target for veterans who want a ring.

Our draft can focus on finding special players. Logic says that we won't be looking at quarterbacks, runnings backs, safeties, or corners. Logic? We are not looking for logic, we are looking for players.

I am sure that Tate really believes that he will take less to play here, but he has a responsibility to take care of his future. It is like Fitzgerald, he is willing to restructure to help the team, but it does not reduce the amount of money he makes. We are in good hands with John Schneider and Pete Carroll, and they will do what is right for this team. Hallelujah.

Bennett and others on that D line need to be secured first however we do it I trust JS and PC.

Draft versus the FA market? For some positions it works, like WR(generally, not all the time). However, for others its a little more difficult to see immediate results. And for ALL positions it depends on the quality of the choice. Problem is: who's to say about the quality of interest we will garner from other FA OLiners? And even if they are interested in us who's to say we are interested in them?(Incognito)

If it works out that way good. Either way is fine by me.

Most of the good ones are already under contract, but there may be some takers out there who need a ring. I haven't done any research but I can see PC and JS cherry pick the FA's that might be interested in the upcoming months.

We may see some FA High Plains Drifter type of guys that fit our model come our way because they want a quick one year run for the SB ring. You never know. Bennett was that type of guy, now we have to pay him the big bucks or lose him. He worked out just fine though. Pay Bennett his money.

[NorthHawk]

The problem with signing FA's is they cost more cap space than draft picks.
Bowie and Bailey may turn out OK, but over the course of the year, we have had difficulty dominating the LoS.
Part was due to injuries, but if we can get a player in the draft that is dominant to add to what we have, it might help quite a bit.
Secondly we saw what happened when Okung and Breno went down. Who do we have that can play OT at a high level?
Bowie looked OK at times but he was moved inside.
If a good OT is there at 32 then I would like them to take that chance. Other than that, maybe a big WR.

[Seahawker]

The problem with signing FA's is they cost more cap space than draft picks.
Bowie and Bailey may turn out OK, but over the course of the year, we have had difficulty dominating the LoS.
Part was due to injuries, but if we can get a player in the draft that is dominant to add to what we have, it might help quite a bit.
Secondly we saw what happened when Okung and Breno went down. Who do we have that can play OT at a high level?
Bowie looked OK at times but he was moved inside.
If a good OT is there at 32 then I would like them to take that chance. Other than that, maybe a big WR.

Exactly NorthHawk, but could could I just change the last word in your post to OG?

[kalibane]

It's like Tate said. He'll take a discount but not an insult. Probably the same with Bennett. Keep in mind that Pete Carroll ran away with the player poll about the best coaches to play for (however it was worded). Bennett came from Schiano to Carroll, I'm sure he enjoyed his time here far better. They may or may not end up staying here but it wasn't all that long ago when if the money was equal you could bet that the FA would not choose the Seahawks.

The fact that this idea is flipped now, and they will choose Seattle if the money is equal (or even take a bit of a discount), is a big change for this franchise and a major advantage for anyone. Especially because there is the double incentive of possibly winning a championship and playing for the most enjoyable coach.

[Eaglehawk]

The problem with signing FA's is they cost more cap space than draft picks.
Bowie and Bailey may turn out OK, but over the course of the year, we have had difficulty dominating the LoS.
Part was due to injuries, but if we can get a player in the draft that is dominant to add to what we have, it might help quite a bit.
Secondly we saw what happened when Okung and Breno went down. Who do we have that can play OT at a high level?
Bowie looked OK at times but he was moved inside.
If a good OT is there at 32 then I would like them to take that chance. Other than that, maybe a big WR.

Exactly NorthHawk, but could could I just change the last word in your post to OG?

I doubt the journeymen FA's will mess with our cap space too much since they know that we are sensitive in this area, and plus we could do as you all said: draft an OT/OG.

But as OBS said, there is a ramp up period. You guys think adding a new draft guy will help us dominate at the front line? Hell, maybe! However, I am not happy with the way Bowie looked lost in the Saint game at times. No doubt others saw it as well. His instincts are not there as yet. Bailey seems a bit better though. They both though are tough in the trenches.

I think, me personally they need a better o line skills coach to technique them up better. Too many o line penalties last season, including false starts. This is half of the problem, the other problem is the scheme itself and general coaching. We will see. Not sure what PC will do. One half of me says If it ain't broke don't fix it. Maybe I would keep all the pieces in place but make a change with the in-the-trenches o line coaching staff.

And yeah points made about expense is reasonable. Draft players are cheap. And Okung is injury prone. Expect him to miss games next year as well. Who is gonna replace him? I have no clue. But that FA stepping in sounds good if that happens.

If we do draft we need O line guys that are smart and can pick up our scheme and are not injury prone.

My heart says younger is better. But a quality O line guy is like putting on a glove. It's not as easy to find as you may think, cause of the points I mentioned in other threads, and this one, he has to buy in, believe in our philosophy and PC and JS must WANT him, he has to be GOOD enough for our teams high standard of play and NOT AFFECT COHESION. Not easy requirements IMO. But that's why we all are armchair coaches and JS and PC are the PhD's in talent evaluators.

I am leaning towards drafting a young strong buck to learn behind Bowie and the others who now have SB rings on their fingers. But that decision confounds me as well for previously stated reasons. O line folks are a special breed. You just can't plug and play them, even PC tried, and you see he had to go back to Carpenter who had the experience but who was not necessarily the best player at the position in terms of power.
While Unger has regressed, he had to suffer with a poor/rebuiliding o line for years. Good for him he got his ring. I wish him well if he leaves.

[Seahawker]

At 32 & 64 I would lean towards OT & TE.
But it wouldn't surprise me to see BAP defense, DT/DE or CB either. It's still about defending the NFC & playing the AFC west. This championship defense must continue to cripple the best offenses.
The bonfire is big, but it doesn't throw firewood on itself.

[monkey]

OBS and Kal both made great points.
The things that I keep reminding myself of are, Pete and John have both said that from day one of this thing, they had a FAR reaching long term plan for how this would all play out.
Remember when they signed Kam Chancellor and a lot of fans thought he got too much, and thought he was less important to sign than Earl and Sherm? What think you now? I think they knew EXACTLY what they were doing with that!
I also think that while we as fans may be sad at seeing some fan favorites, and really good team guys go, they'll just as quickly be replaced by good guys who will become fan favorites.
Pete and John have both said from the outset, that this is something they've built for the long term. I believe it.

So yeah, there will be some "tough" (for fans) cuts coming soon, but I believe them when they say that they really do have it all mapped out, move by move. Why wouldn't I? They've done exactly what they said so far.

My guess is Clem, may be cut, and even Big Red will either restructure or be cut. Miller is likely gone unless he restructures, and Golden Tate will have to give a discount to stay and get more rings. Sidney Rice is gone I'm sure.
But the money they save on those contracts, will be put towards resigning Bennett (and maybe, hopefully an extension for Cliff too?), and when it comes time, towards resigning Earl and Sherm.

All that needs to be done is to keep the core together which I really think can easily be done, (remember, the cap level is due to be raised in the not-too-distant future too), then just keep reloading as they have been doing through the draft.
We also have several players from last seasons draft who we haven't even really seen play yet. We have more depth than ANY team in the NFL by far, (which is the single biggest but usually unmentioned reason we won the Superbowl actually), due to all those roster moves Pete and John kept making, looking under every rock for talent.

[Steady_Hawk]

What's pretty nice too is we have 8 Mil is dead money from last year that will make Percy's big jump from 4 Mil in his first season to almost 13 Mil in his second almost seem seamless. Also, and I know it may upset some people but Avril will almost count 10 Mil against us as well, and while I like having him on our team I don't feel he's a necessary cog. I feel Bennett was far more valuable.

Also, I'm a bit confused as to teams having monster cap room under the last CBA. I thought it was mandatory to spend a minimum of 89% of the salary cap? That equates to around 14 Mil in cap space for any cheapskate owners who only want to do the minimum. How on Earth is anyone coming up with 60 Mil in cap room? Did they lose that many players in one season?

[kalibane]

It's dead money coming off their cap. For instance Oakland bascially cleaned house getting rid of all their bad contracts and had a ridiculous amount of dead money on their cap this year.

[THX-1138]

So yeah, there will be some "tough" (for fans) cuts coming soon, but I believe them when they say that they really do have it all mapped out, move by move. Why wouldn't I? They've done exactly what they said so far.

That pretty much sums up my attitude on the roster moves that will be made in the off-season. I'm no expert on X's and O's but I know a heck of a lot more about that than I do contracts, salaries, cap room, and free agency. I hope that some core guys understand the importance of not "breaking the bank" and the definite benefit of remaining a Seahawk but I also realize that it might be an unrealistic hope.

But in Pete I trust. And John too. And that is yet another crazy thing I would never have expected as a Seahawks fan. These are the days of milk and honey. Make them last.

GO HAWKS!

[Eaglehawk]

Off season speculation is always the same, including this season. The people we think will stay may leave. The people we want to leave may stay.
Defensive unit for the most part HAS to stay together. This has to be the priority of JS and PC. Avril Bennet, Smith, all these guys need to continue to play together one more season or so.

[Eaglehawk]

Unless I'm mistaken, Jonathan Martin is available, and he is a smart talented OT and could be an upgrade for us at RT. Another Stanford grad.

He is still under contract with the FIns, but they will probably let him go cheap. JC and PC will not care about his past, but does he have enough to produce on our line?

[obiken]

Seahawker,
How many of those teams with big cap dollars will be serious contenders next year? Maybe 3. So FA really doesn't worry me. Moreover, how many FA will want to come to Seattle to play for a guy that makes FB fun again.
The biggest threats to our repeat are the teams in our own back yard. SF, Arz, St Louis.

[Seahawker]

Seahawker,
How many of those teams with big cap dollars will be serious contenders next year? Maybe 3. So FA really doesn't worry me. Moreover, how many FA will want to come to Seattle to play for a guy that makes FB fun again.
The biggest threats to our repeat are the teams in our own back yard. SF, Arz, St Louis.

Yeah Obiken, thats why I posted it, to illustrate the less than appealing options. Was listening to Softy/Holmgren today talking with JS on the radio. John talked about the cap being tight & how some outside FA's won't be in the picture because of it.
When asked about Tate being agreeable to a hometown discount, JS said, "Great kid...we'll see."

Tough decisions & a couple of surprises coming up. 2.2M under now & probably need to be at 20-25 to scrape by.
If we cut Rice 7.3, Miller 4.8, Red 5.5 & Clemens 7.5, that would put us at 27M under. They might try to restructure Red & ZM and make up the difference with multiple cuts of lesser contracts. Any way you slice it it's a tricky deal. Good thing we're the deepest team in the league. Also on our side is a holdover 13' draft, picks in May, a strong practice squad and we're now a destination spot where economical FA's can flourish. The 2nd youngest team won't age much in 14'. As much as the present is about keeping this team together, so much of what we do now will have bearing on the 2015 offseason.

No state income tax & hometown discount to stay in football heaven might be 10-20%, but below that, some just might be in silver & black with no way to "Just win baby."

Gonna be interesting.

[Eaglehawk]

Seahawker,
How many of those teams with big cap dollars will be serious contenders next year? Maybe 3. So FA really doesn't worry me. Moreover, how many FA will want to come to Seattle to play for a guy that makes FB fun again.
The biggest threats to our repeat are the teams in our own back yard. SF, Arz, St Louis.

Yeah Obiken, thats why I posted it, to illustrate the less than appealing options. Was listening to Softy/Holmgren today talking with JS on the radio. John talked about the cap being tight & how some outside FA's won't be in the picture because of it.
When asked about Tate being agreeable to a hometown discount, JS said, "Great kid...we'll see."

Tough decisions & a couple of surprises coming up. 2.2M under now & probably need to be at 20-25 to scrape by.
If we cut Rice 7.3, Miller 4.8, Red 5.5 & Clemens 7.5, that would put us at 27M under. They might try to restructure Red & ZM and make up the difference with multiple cuts of lesser contracts. Any way you slice it it's a tricky deal. Good thing we're the deepest team in the league. Also on our side is a holdover 13' draft, picks in May, a strong practice squad and we're now a destination spot where economical FA's can flourish. The 2nd youngest team won't age much in 14'. As much as the present is about keeping this team together, so much of what we do now will have bearing on the 2015 offseason.

No state income tax & hometown discount to stay in football heaven might be 10-20%, but below that, some just might be in silver & black with no way to "Just win baby."

Gonna be interesting.

Yeah Oakland has the cap space this year don't they? Could you imagine Tate playing for Oakland? At least he would be able to say hi to Lynch when he visited his family and friends in the hood. You get the sense that Tate would be very sad to go, Bennet as well(but he knows he is bad ass and will score big this year)but Tate, he is not going to score as big as Bennett. So I detect more sadness from Tate. I hope he can stay. He has been with PC from the beginning. Let's see what happens.

[NorthHawk]

Shannon Sharpe said the other day FAs will be lining up to go to Seattle to try to get a ring.
It might mean we could have our pick if these players feel a Championship is worth missing out on top $$$.
At least there might be some available that could fit and combined with the popularity of Pete amongst players in the league we might get a surprise signing or two.

OL really is the weakest link on the team. It's relative of course, but if that area can be more consistent and can dominate in the Red Zone it could make up for some loss of production if we lose Bennett to FA.
An Offense that can consistently grind 5 - 8 minutes off the clock per drive can take a lot of pressure off of the Defense if it loses some valuable players.
I would think with PC wanting a ball control run first Offense, the emphasis would be up front this year.

[Eaglehawk]

Shannon Sharpe said the other day FAs will be lining up to go to Seattle to try to get a ring.
It might mean we could have our pick if these players feel a Championship is worth missing out on top $$$.
At least there might be some available that could fit and combined with the popularity of Pete amongst players in the league we might get a surprise signing or two.

OL really is the weakest link on the team. It's relative of course, but if that area can be more consistent and can dominate in the Red Zone it could make up for some loss of production if we lose Bennett to FA.
An Offense that can consistently grind 5 - 8 minutes off the clock per drive can take a lot of pressure off of the Defense if it loses some valuable players.
I would think with PC wanting a ball control run first Offense, the emphasis would be up front this year.

Agreed with you on everything except Bennett. It is not easy to find someone like Avril and Bennett in this League. And they actually did amazing jobs during the Reg Season and SB. So to let B go is not a good idea in my opinion.
PC already showed you can win the SB with a rag tag OL.
Now I want to improve that OL. As well as DL. Remember that Avril and Bennett were NOT starters. And Bennett will see his payday.

[NorthHawk]

From what I've read, Bennett is one of the higher priorities.
I hope what they offer is enough to keep him, but his salary has to fit into 'The Plan'.
If they stick to their salary structure like they do their draft board, the chance of keeping Bennett might be lesser than his true value.
On the other hand, a penetrating DL who can play both DE and DT might be one of those types that have been identified within the plan to be paid more than a normal DL.
We'll see how it all unfolds in the upcoming months.

[Hawktawk]

Unless I'm mistaken, Jonathan Martin is available, and he is a smart talented OT and could be an upgrade for us at RT. Another Stanford grad.

Oh please OBS! Martin is a complete head case and had been demoted from the lT spot he was drafted in. NOBODY in any locker room in America would want that cancer and wuss suiting up and going into battle. I'd sign Incognito before Martin, although there are much better options than either IMO. Breno has sort of grown on me. Not near as many penalties and extremely nasty.

I see Bennett and Tate as the 2 most critical guys to resign. Bennett is more impactful at his position but they both bring a great deal of attitude and intensity to Seattle. Bennett will be harder to sign.

[c_hawkbob]

Unless I'm mistaken, Jonathan Martin is available, and he is a smart talented OT and could be an upgrade for us at RT. Another Stanford grad.

Oh please OBS! Martin is a complete head case and had been demoted from the lT spot he was drafted in. NOBODY in any locker room in America would want that cancer and wuss suiting up and going into battle. I'd sign Incognito before Martin, although there are much better options than either IMO. Breno has sort of grown on me. Not near as many penalties and extremely nasty.

I see Bennett and Tate as the 2 most critical guys to resign. Bennett is more impactful at his position but they both bring a great deal of attitude and intensity to Seattle. Bennett will be harder to sign.

I dunno, I think Martin could thrive in our locker room, as well as be an asset on the field. Just because he's got a personality type not able to withstand bullying doesn't mean he's not tough in the trenches.

Incogneto wouldn't last a week. First time he'd try to schedule an O-line meeting at a strip club he'd be gone.

[NorthHawk]

On a team characterized by Sherman and others as misfits, Martin might be able to succeed.
It depends on if he has the work ethic demanded by the rest of the team to be able to provide an upgrade at that position.
Not only that,but if he is cut by the 'Phins he might come cheap so as to prove himself.

[savvyman]

Someone might have better information.

However, But based on what I have seen based on what has been said on ESPN and written in other places.

Most NFL Players would rather have Igcognito on their team next year than Martin.

(Especially since Igcognito lawyer released a number of text messages between Igcognito and martin on SuperBowl week)

[savvyman]

As far as free agents it seems unanimous that signing Michael Bennett is the number 1 priority.

For wide receiver from the talk on the radio I think people are discounting Golden Tate a little too much. If I were forced to make a choice between Golden Tate and Percy Harvin I would choose Golden Tate.

I think the Hawks are going to try and keep the entire Receiving Corp intact. This includes Rice who will have to take a new contract that is less than Baldwin & Tate - Note this isn't picking on Rice - his current market value NFL league wide is less than both Tate & Baldwin - so a contract from the Seahawks to Rice for less than Baldwin or Tate is exactly where his value is to any NFL team.

[RiverDog]

Golden Tate said he would take a 'Home Town Discount' and re-sign.
Michael Bennett says he wants to stay 100% with this bunch of guys.

I wonder how much is just Super Bowl euphoria and how much is real?

In any case, it seems the program Pete and John have set up is something that players like.
The winning doesn't hurt, either.

I'd like to see us keep Tate, but I don't think he's our top priority. I don't see a great deal of difference between him and Baldwin/Kearse, at least not enough to justify breaking the bank for him. Plus Harvin looked fantastic in the SB. We'll have to see just how much of a home town discount he's willing to take or we're willing to offer. But we can't afford to tie up a lot of money into one position.

Bennett is a top priority. He'd be much harder to replace than Tate.

[NorthHawk]

Tate has shown to be very durable and dependable unlike Harvin.
He can also return punts and kicks.
I think that's an important quality even if Harvin is more dynamic.

[HumanCockroach]

Tate would probably get that #2 receiver type money ( 3 million a year or so) would be my guess. Even though IMHO the guy can be a serious game changer on a team that tends to feed the ball to a receiver, early and often ( as opposed to the 3-5 looks he gets now) not sure if the demand will warrant more than that ( which IMHO is a GOOD thing for Seattle). Bennett, Tate HAS to be the priority for FA that the Hawks are looking at losing ( at least unrestricted). For all the claims to the contrary, Baldwin, Tate, Bennett and Kearse CAN be retained without destroying their hopes to keep the "big three" ( Thomas, Sherman and Wilson the year after.....

They'll have to drop guys they don't necessarily want to, or ask players to take not just restructures, but actual pay cuts ( Miller, Rice, Bryant, Clemmons, Okung I'm looking at you guys) but IMHO Bennett has forced himself into the "core" group, as has Baldwin. Tate is important in multiple different areas, and Kearse serves an explosive need with a clutch ability. Love a lot of those guys, but you simply can't pay them the $$$$'s they do for the production they get at this point.

[RiverDog]

I'll have to admit that I'm pretty uncomfortable putting all of our receiving eggs in Percy Harvin's basket. But Tate's going to get some good offers, and I'm not so sure that his home town discount includes getting paid as a #2 receiver. It will be an interesting negotiation. Tate probably didn't do himself any favors by coming out and making his bargaining position public.

Agreed about the players HC mentioned as possible cap causalities or restructures, with the possible exception of Okung. Good left tackles are in high demand, and Okung's been to a Pro Bowl. Granted, he hasn't earned a big fat contract as he's missed a lot of games, but he's going to get some big time money offers simply because he's a Pro Bowler.

[Hawktawk]

Ive heard Okung is still having toe problems and may need surgery. Either way he has been a penalty machine, one of the worst O linemen. Unless he really improves I cant see paying him first round all pro money. Having an RW and the Beast means winning a SB with a C line which just happened. Id like to see JS and PC apply the draft diamond in the rough philosophy to the O line in the future if possible.

[Eaglehawk]

Tate would probably get that #2 receiver type money ( 3 million a year or so) would be my guess. Even though IMHO the guy can be a serious game changer on a team that tends to feed the ball to a receiver, early and often ( as opposed to the 3-5 looks he gets now) not sure if the demand will warrant more than that ( which IMHO is a GOOD thing for Seattle). Bennett, Tate HAS to be the priority for FA that the Hawks are looking at losing ( at least unrestricted). For all the claims to the contrary, Baldwin, Tate, Bennett and Kearse CAN be retained without destroying their hopes to keep the "big three" ( Thomas, Sherman and Wilson the year after.....

They'll have to drop guys they don't necessarily want to, or ask players to take not just restructures, but actual pay cuts ( Miller, Rice, Bryant, Clemmons, Okung I'm looking at you guys) but IMHO Bennett has forced himself into the "core" group, as has Baldwin. Tate is important in multiple different areas, and Kearse serves an explosive need with a clutch ability. Love a lot of those guys, but you simply can't pay them the $$$$'s they do for the production they get at this point.

Not going to be easy HC. But if JS and PC really want to keep the team together, and if these guys want to stick together they will have to get amongst themselves and do some horse trading.
At the end, you are correct, there may have to be some players that accept less money for now.
I think in this league where getting to the Big Dance is so rare for so many, you have to think that some players would be willing at least for one more year to give a little bit for now, to stay with such a good team.
3 million for Tate seems reasonable, but I reckon its almost 2 million or more less than what he could earn elsewhere. I bet that with some innovative contract writing they might be able to achieve a win win for both players and FO.

When you have to people that want to work things out, it is amazing what people can do. I don't know much about football contracts but under normal circumstances, you sign a 2 year contract instead of a one year and that gives people a few more options like backloading, and throwing in stuff in the second year. I suspect that this is what you might see from a few players. The cap thing always throws me for a loop, which is what may make that scenario more difficult for any given player.

Man, combine is coming up, should be very interesting to see what happens in the interim.

[RiverDog]

Ive heard Okung is still having toe problems and may need surgery. Either way he has been a penalty machine, one of the worst O linemen. Unless he really improves I cant see paying him first round all pro money. Having an RW and the Beast means winning a SB with a C line which just happened. Id like to see JS and PC apply the draft diamond in the rough philosophy to the O line in the future if possible.

Yea, Okung commits too many penalties and gets beat too often for a Pro Bowl LT, but I have to force myself not to hold him to too high of a standard because of what his predecessor did. Good LT's are hard to come by, and I'm not sure who's out there at a reasonable cost that's going to constitute an upgrade. Pete and John haven't had as much luck with 'diamonds in the rough' on offense as they have on defense, with one notable exception (#3). IMO we stay the course with Okung. He's under contract through 2014.

The biggest concern is his health. The guy just can't stay on the field.

[Pain_Train]

Michael Bennet is gone. He is 29 and has made it clear in his interviews this week that he wants #1, #2 and #3 to be PAID.

[NorthHawk]

I'm wondering if some of Okung's holding problems this year were because of the lingering issues with his toe.
If you can't move quite as well, you have to take some liberties.

Regarding Bennett, I think it will be a surprise if he does re-sign here, but I'm still hopeful at this point.

[Seahawker]

Even if Tate gives us a million dollar maple bar discount, too many teams are going to open the bakery at 7 am and just hand him empty pastry boxes to fill. 6-10M more over a 4-5 year deal just can't & shouldn't be matched.

Some guys can manage money & make it last, many can't and will burn it up before they turn 50.
Would they rather have 2 nice homes & 6 cars, vacation twice a year and play in a great situation winning championships & leaving a legacy?
Or have 3 fantastic houses, 12 cars, vacation 6 months a year with double digit losses every year & be forgotten three months after you retire.

It really depends on how much you love the game & value winning.
Either way when you are 50, that recliner & beverage you're drinking won't be much different. The real difference will be your achievements, how you feel about them & how great it was creating them.
Presently I could make 20% more out of state, I choose to be here. Money doesn't buy happiness & life is short.

[Seahawks4Ever]

Sydney Rice-Gone
Bruce Irvin-Gone
Those two won't be missed
Chris Clemons-Gone
Golden Tate-Gone
Red Bryant-Gone
Russell Okung-Gone
All 4 will be missed and hopefully Schneider will find a way to keep a couple of them.

Steve Haushka might just possibly be a casualty if he asks for too much money.
Walter Thurmond III- I would really hate to see him go but I think he will be having delusions of how much he should be paid

They need to cut deeper this year because after next season they will have to pay pout some real money to RW and the most of the LOB. If they can extend the contracts on ET and KC now it will make resigning Russell Wilson and Richard Sherman a lot easier.

[burrrton]

Yea, Okung commits too many penalties and gets beat too often for a Pro Bowl LT, but I have to force myself not to hold him to too high of a standard because of what his predecessor did.

I was going to say something similar to this. Okung has lowered himself a rung in my inconsequential mind, but I don't know how much of that is due to a combination of his injury and his following a Sure-Fire-First-Ballot-Hall-of-Famer.

Maybe I'd be easier on him if I didn't think he was capable of emulating Big Walt to some degree.

I was spoiled with our 'set it and forget it' left side (kinda like I may be getting with Sherm's elimination of the defensive right side of the field). I'd like that again with Okung.

[burrrton]

Michael Bennet is gone.

I can't shake that feeling, too.

He's said he wants to stay (which could just be the afterglow of the Superbowl talking), but money talks and I have no idea what he's going to demand in FA compared to what JS and PC are willing to offer.

Would they rather have 2 nice homes & 6 cars, vacation twice a year and play in a great situation winning championships & leaving a legacy?
Or have 3 fantastic houses, 12 cars, vacation 6 months a year with double digit losses every year & be forgotten three months after you retire.

That's the big question, isn't it?

I find it pretty tough to fault a guy for leaving millions of dollars on the table, but you look at a guy like John Stockton who solidified his legacy and reputation while still managing to make enough money so his children never got free lunch and none of them will ever have to work if they don't choose to.