Former Ram O.J. Atogwe To Visit Seattle Seahawks

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that O.J. Atogwe is scheduled to visit the Seattle Seahawks next week.

He was a restricted free agent until the Rams declined to offer him a $7 million tender, resulting in him becoming unrestricted and now free to sign with any team.

Atogwe would be a potentially huge upgrade for the Seahawks at strong safety, where thus far, it looks like Lawyer Milloy, Jordan Babineaux, Kam Chancellor, and Jamar Adams will be competing for time. Earl Thomas is assumed to be the starter at free safety.

Atogwe’s best season was 2007, when he led the NFC with eight interceptions. In 2009, the Rams slapped him with the franchise tag (one-year tender of $6.342 million), but after a shoulder injury in December cut his 2009 campaign short, the Rams have opted not to tender him for a second straight year, or negotiate a long-term deal.

The Hawks have sorely needed a playmaker at safety for some time, and a safety combo of Thomas and Atogwe could provide the team with a strong duo in the defensive backfield.

Atogwe will be 29 years of age next Wednesday.

His shoulder injury was a dislocation, which shouldn’t leave any lasting effect in terms of slowing him down on the field as a leg, foot, or knee injury would. So, this wouldn’t be a Leon Washington type of situation where you’re taking a gamble on him returning to full strength or ability.

The price tag is sure to be a topic of discussion leading up to the visit, as some perceive that Atogwe is simply asking too much.

Regardless of whether or not the Hawks sign Atogwe, the fact that he's being brought in for a visit is yet more confirmation that Carroll and Co. are serious about creating real competition in camp, and that the Hawks are serious about contending for a division title right away.

Update - A representative for the Seahawks has denied that any visit with Atogwe has been scheduled.  Should anything change, the article will be updated accordingly.

For more Seattle Seahawks discussion and analysis with Derek Stephens, visit The Blue Bird Herd .