NFL Free Agents 2011: Can Seattle Seahawks Gain Anything Via Sign and Trade?

NFL teams will have a three-day window to sign their own free agents prior to other teams having an opportunity to make offers. It is likely that trades for roster players will be allowed during that time as well.

The Seattle Seahawks face a near league-high 25 free agents. Some of them figure to return to the team (Will Herring, Matt McCoy), while others are most certainly going to be headed elsewhere (Kelly Jennings, Sean Locklear and Chris Spencer to name a few).

Most of the free agents' statuses are up in the air, though. Matt Hasselbeck and Brandon Mebane will both have several suitors, and both could end up on other teams in the NFC West.

Given the market value will be there for several of Seattle's free agents, might the oddities of this free agency period make it an ideal year to take a different approach with free agents?

Matt Hasselbeck: Sign and Trade

There have been several teams rumored to be interested in Seattle's veteran QB. I've suspected he'd end up in Tennessee to tutor Jake Locker since the day before the NFL draft. Arizona and San Francisco are even possibilities, along with Minnesota and Cincinnati.

There is certainly a market for Hasselbeck, and Seattle doesn't appear to be on the threshold of landing a better option for 2011. A two-year, $15 million contract would not overly burden Seattle, and it is a contract that wouldn't keep a team for making a move to acquire him.

Would the Titans be willing to surrender a fourth-round pick to offer a buffer for Locker? Perhaps the Bengals would be interested in Hasselbeck as compensation for Carson Palmer so Andy Dalton can sit back and learn for a season or two.

The Minnesota Vikings still believe they have capacity to make a playoff run but will need a QB to make it happen. Hasselbeck is a seasoned veteran that has shown he can help a team win; a mid-round pick would be a no-brainer for the Vikings if they believe Hasselbeck gives them the best shot at making the playoffs.

Seattle should make a hard run at signing Hasselbeck once the signing period begins...and then start looking for a trade partner.

Brandon Mebane: Sign and Retain

In yesterday’s article, I discussed the issues of re-signing Mebane in detail. Seattle would be best served moving him back to the inside DT position and then acquiring a true three-technique DT once free agency begins.

This move would make Colin Cole expendable, either via a trade or releasing him should he not want to rework his contract.

If Mebane hits the free agent market, Seattle could an issue in addition to needing to replace him.

The St. Louis Rams desperately need an upgrade for the undersized Gary Gibson. They have enough exposure to Mebane to make him one of their top targets and have the money available to make it happen.

Seattle will be hurt if it loses Mebane and will take a step back against the Rams if he follows Josh Brown.

Ray Willis: Sign and Consider

Willis is a forgotten member from the 2009 offensive line. Frankly, who wouldn’t want to forget that line? However, Willis was a solid contributor and was expected to be a productive part of the 2010 unit. He can play three positions and is a decent starter and a top-notch option for depth.

The market isn’t likely going to be too heavy for Willis, and Seattle should be able to work out a modest contract for him. He will provide assurances should Seattle not be able to come to terms with a certain OG that played for Tom Cable in Oakland and would become a decent trade option if the depth at offensive line somehow becomes too much.

Tyler Polumbus: Sign and Consider

Troy...I mean, Tyler Polumbus is in a similar position as Willis, but he doesn’t have the upside potential. He would be an ideal player for depth, as he can play four positions on the offensive line.

Junior Siavii: Sign and Consider 

Siavii provides a decent option for depth and should come a lot cheaper than the $4.5 million average that is due to Colin Cole. This is a position Seattle needs to upgrade, and finding a free agent that could provide a pass rush from the middle would be a better option.

Desmond Bryant of the Oakland Raiders (could be untouchable as an exclusive rights free agent) and Antonio Johnson of the Indianapolis Colts are two of the few options to fill that kind of a role. Siavii will provide a safety net should other options fall through and could provide a seventh-round draft pick if Seattle finds other options.

Will Herring, Matt McCoy: Sign and Retain

Seattle needs all the help it can get at LB. While not good starting options, both players provide depth and are above-average special teams contributors.

Leroy Hill: Sign?

Hill was asked to renegotiate his contract so it would be over after the 2010 season. He proceeded to get injured and miss the entire year. He's done in Seattle.

Or is he? Seattle is woefully thin at the LB positions. There is little doubt that Lofa Tatupu and Aaron Curry would like to have Hill back, but he could cost one of them a starting role.

Now that the dust has settled from last year's issues, Seattle should consider signing Hill to an extension. The market will be low for him, and Seattle could sign him for a bargain price while he rehabs his image and establishes a value as a player.

Personal issues aside, Hill can flat-out play, and Seattle needs a skilled body at OLB.

Lawyer Milloy: Sign

On occasion, stories emanate about a player that had such respect for a coach that he came back to play one last season even though he was prepared to retire. Milloy has that level or respect for Pete Carroll, and it seems as though he still has enough left to make the team better.

While Milloy was skewered for coverage issues against the Bears, closer analysis showed he was covering for another player's blown assignment. I don't see Milloy playing elsewhere, but one more year with Seattle makes sense. 

Jay Richardson: Sign 

A late-season addition after being waived by the Oakland Raiders, Richardson provides some depth at defensive end. He should be a cheap player to sign to see if he can ramp up during camp.

The balance of Seattle’s free agents can likely depart without taking notice.

The offensive line will be making major changes, and Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer, Chester Pitts and Ben Hamilton (retired) aren't likely going to be back in 2011. Seattle will likely be looking elsewhere for starting material or depth, though, in addition to the two young OLs above.

Some will push for Olindo Mare, and I understand that. However, there are better options available in free agency.

Seattle fell in love with Raheem Brock down the stretch last season, but John Clayton claims to know that Seattle is looking a different direction at DE and will not be offering him a contract. If the price is right, his value in passing downs as a replacement for Red Bryant shouldn't be so quickly discounted.

Now all we need is the players and owners to get their business settled so the teams can get down to business.