Signings For Seattle: Ten Players The Seahawks Should Pick Up

Let's face it: The Seattle Seahawks are just not what they used to be. Last year they were 5-11, and in 2008 they were a woeful 4-12. Just a few years ago, 2005 to be specific, the Seahawks made it to the Super Bowl where they were narrowly defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Things just haven't been the same in Seattle. Their fall from grace certainly has not been pretty, with injuries, age, and key departures the main causes of their recent lack of success. Now it is time for them to get back onto the winning track.

The ensuing list contains ten players that the 'Hawks should consider signing to improve their team in 2010. Although it is late in the free agent season, there are still a few talented players on the market. Hopefully, with the addition of these players, the Seahawks will be able to right the ship and return to their days of glory.

Leonard Little

Starting off the list is defensive end Leonard Little. Little is a two-time Pro Bowler and was a key member of the St. Louis Ram's team that won Super Bowl XXXIV.

While he may be getting up in age, Little is still in good enough shape to significantly improve a weak Seattle defense. Most importantly, he will add pressure from the outside when rushing the passer. His career sack total stands at an impressive 87.5, showing he has exceptional pass rushing ability.

Little was always a standout and a leader for the Rams. Now that he is a free agent for the first time in his career, the Seahawks should take advantage of the opportunity and sign him to a short-term deal. He provides experience and productivity from a position which the Hawks could use some help.

Kevin Curtis

Kevin Curtis is a wide receiver who most recently played for the Philadelphia Eagles. Curtis started his career with the St. Louis Rams and moved on to Philly after four years.

Now, he is once again a free agent. If the Seahawks were to sign Curtis, they would be getting a reliable receiver with valuable experience and extremely high intelligence.

Curtis could see time at the slot receiver spot, where he would be a big help to Matt Hasselbeck. The way that pass offense was last year, it is apparent that they are going to need all the help that they can get.

If the Seahawks are able to land the former Eagle in their nest, they would be upgrading their receiver corps significantly, in addition to adding some leadership to the team.

Jamal Lewis

Jamal Lewis, a former Cleveland Brown and Baltimore Raven, could be a key piece to the puzzle for Seattle. The former Pro Bowler would bring a whole new aspect to the Seahawk's offense.

Lewis' 10,607 rushing yards are the 21st highest total in NFL history. He is a tough, scrappy runner that would bring some edge to a somewhat soft Seattle team.

Lewis is a savvy veteran with fantastic ability. He will be able to give the Seahawks a spark in one of the areas in which they need it most: their rushing attack.

LJ Smith

Former Eagles tight end LJ Smith is another guy that could really help the Seahawks' offense. His reliability at the pass-catching position will allow him to play anywhere.

Smith will provide the Seahawks with another valuable weapon to add to their arsenal. He could become the starter for Seattle in the event that current starter John Carlson suffers an injury.

Nick Harper

Nick Harper played cornerback for the Tennessee TItans last year and previously held that position for the Indianapolis Colts. As a member of the Colts, he was a key contributor to a team that won the Super Bowl in the 2006-2007 season.

Harper plays strong against both the run and the pass. His career totals include 625 tackles and 21 interceptions. While his best days are behind him, Harper still has some gas left in the tank.

He could compete with Marcus Trufant and Josh Wilson for a starting spot. Replacing Wilson with Harper would be an excellent upgrade for a Seattle defense that could sure use a lot of that.

Ken Hamlin

Ken Hamlin, ex-free safety of the Dallas Cowboys, is on the market for the first time since he left the Seahawks back in 2006. Now is the perfect time for the Hawks' to bring back the former Pro Bowler.

Hamlin is a former starter on an elite team that knows how to play the game at the highest level. He is an accomplished pass defender and an equally strong force against the run.

His return to Seattle will allow first round pick Earl Thomas to adjust to the professional level. Hamlin can start until the young Thomas is fully acclimated to NFL competition. The Seahawks improve both their depth and talent level with the addition of Hamlin.

Marc Bulger

One of the Seahawks' goals for the remainder of the offseason is to ensure that Marc Bulger does not leave the NFC West. The easiest way to do that is to sign him.

Bulger, the former starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, is a two-time Pro Bowler in the decline of his career. He is getting old and has been banged up as of late.

Regardless, Bulger still possesses a fair amount of ability and is likely the best quarterback still available. In his fine career, he has thrown 122 touchdowns while maintaining a 62.1 completion percentage and an 84.4 quarterback rating.

Matt Hasselbeck is the Seahawks' current starter whose yet another guy getting up in age with recent injuries. If something were to happen to Hasselbeck, Bulger would be the ideal replacement.

Terrell Owens

Owens was once of the top five receivers in the game as well as one of the most unstoppable forces around when he played for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys.

He did not do much while on the Buffalo Bills, but then again, he was never healthy. Owens has compiled 1,006 receptions for 14,951 yards and 144 touchdowns in his fantastic yet controversial career. He has six Pro Bowl and five All-Pro selections.

Owens has always been one of the most dominant receivers in the game, in addition to being one of the most cocky. His various antics, which include elaborate touchdown celebrations and constant fights with players and coaches detract from his value.

Yet, he may still have a good year or two left in him. So, as the T.O. Show draws closer to its final act, the time is right for this fading star to make one final landing in Seattle. The Seahawks could really use a boost at the position.

Kevin Mawae

Center Kevin Mawae has been one of the top performers in the NFL for more than a decade now. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro selection yet at this point in the offseason, Mawae still remains a free agent.

Despite being 39, Mawae is still capable of being legitimate starter in the NFL, and will be for at least one more year. He is, after all, coming off of back-to-back Pro Bowl selections.

Mawae was drafted by the Seahawks back in 1994. He left Seattle in 1998 to play for the New York Jets. As a member of the Jets, he quickly became one of the NFL's finest lineman, proving himself as a superb run blocker and a stellar pass blocker.

He spent a few years in Tennessee and is now a free agent once more. Since he's available, the Seahawks should sign him as soon as possible. Even if he is not better than current starter Chris Spencer, he would certainly make a fine backup-although Mawae is much more likely to become a starter for whatever team he signs with.

Brian Westbrook

Brian Westbrook is the final player featured on this talent-filled list. He possesses uncanny athletic ability and is one of the most versatile players you could possibly found.

Injuries have hampered his productivity as of late, but he he should be at or close to 100% now that he has had ample time to recuperate. Westbrook has amassed 5,995 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns, with an additional 3,790 yards and 29 scores receiving in his career, figures that led him to two Pro Bowl appearances and one All-Pro selection.

Westbrook is a pain for opposing coaches, as he is extremely difficult to prepare for due to his various methods of production. Brian could improve a miserable Seattle rushing attack immeasurably. Furthermore, Westbrook's ability as a receiver out of the backfield could further benefit the Seahawks offensively.

He is an invaluable weapon that instantly elevates a team's level of play when he is on the field. With Westbrook in the backfield, a great deal of pressure would be taken off of Matt Hasselbeck, who is going to need some help if he is to return to form.

Clearly, there are still a few jems in what remains of 2010 free agent class. If Seattle chooses correctly, the possibilities are endless. Hopefully, Seattle will make all the right moves. If they do, we may soon see the day that the Seahawks soar high once again.