2012 Seattle Seahawks Free Agents: 7 Should Walk, 11 Talk, 3 Balk

Conference officials are meeting in New Orleans to discuss changes to the BCS, and one proposal would allow more than two teams from a single conference into a BCS Bowl.

But should that idea come to fruition, it won’t happen until at least 2014, which means there will be a handful of teams that will be competing for a conference championship but fail to reach the BCS.

Here are four of those teams.

3 Current Players That Should Be Treated as Free Agents

Marcus Trufant, CB:

This is a difficult, yet easy, addition to the list. Trufant is a local product from Tacoma and has the skill set to be one of the better corners in the NFL. Both of these have made him a fan-favorite and solid member of the community.

The problem is Trufant can't stay healthy.

The back issue that cost him playing time and production in 2009 flared up again in 2011. With what appears to be a chronic back issue, Trufant could be on the cusp of Lofa Tatupu-ville. 

Seattle may ask the former Pro Bowl corner, who is slated to make $16 million over the next two seasons, to take a pay cut. He could step in as depth and play in nickel and bandit packages, and Pete Carroll mentioned having Trufant back in his season-ending press conference.

The play of Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman have likely secured their starting roles for several seasons. There are also strong expectations for Walter Thurmond passing downs that will most likely result in Trufant's release.

There is a slim chance Seattle could restructure his contract and trade him, as there are a few teams that will be looking for veteran experience in their secondaries. That seems unlikely, though, as there is little incentive for Trufant to agree to such a move, outside of the Seahawks guaranteeing his contract.

Thank you for the memories, Marcus. You will be missed.

Ben Obomanu, WR:

Obomanu is also difficult to list, as he is a solid individual and a positive presence in the locker room. However, the Seahawks seem to be somewhat loaded at receiver and something has to give.

Obomanu struggled with dropped passes in 2011, many coming at inopportune moments. With the grief being laid at the feet of Tarvaris Jackson, better play from "Obo" would have helped this offense perform better.

I don't expect Seattle to release Obomanu prior to training camp, but his contract makes him either a trade prospect or a camp casualty. Quite simply, he isn't an elite player that will help Seattle win a championship. They are running out of room on the roster for this type of player.

Anthony McCoy, TE:

Similar to Obomanu, Seattle won't likely release McCoy. His contract is just over the league minimum, so there is no room or need to restructure his deal.

The other correlation to Obomanue is McCoy has developed an issue with dropped passes. I don't see Carroll or Darrell Bevell showing any patience with this issue.

Look for the Seahawks to either spend a little money on a free agent (possibly retaining John Carlson) or target a tight end around the sixth round of the NFL draft. My initial Seahawk mock draft has them taking the former Husky, Montana Grizzly tight end Kavario Middleton, in the final round. 

With the Seahawks' mantra of competition, they may do both.

Red Bryant, DE: Must Sign

Yes, Seahawks fans, the signing of Red Bryant makes the top of my list of must-sign players. There was some consideration for a certain running back, but more on why he didn't make the top spot on the next slide.

Red Bryant's contract shouldn't reach anywhere near the level of a franchise tag offer, as he isn't the type of defensive end that justifies a $10 million per year deal. The expected franchise tag for Bryant would be about $10.6 million, down from $13 million for a defensive end in 2011 due to a new calculation method in the final collective bargaining agreement.

Bryant is one of the best run-stuffers in the NFL. More information on his 2011 season can be found in my defensive player summary.

Bryant's impact in pass defense has actually come from dropping back into coverage, not rushing the quarterback, as witnessed by his two interceptions with just one sack. Seattle will need to pair a pass rush specialist with Bryant, which is part of why his salary value won't be as high as other elite ends.

There has been some discussion of Bryant's style of play and how it would only fit in Seattle. While it was Gus Bradley that saw the potential in Bryant at the end position, there are certainly other teams that could copy Bryant's role.

In fact, I would estimate that there are few teams that couldn't figure out how to utilize a 323 lb. athlete that moves as well as Bryant.

Look for Seattle to wrap up Bryant in the neighborhood of $22 million over four seasons. If he hits the free agent market they may be a team willing to pay him $8 million a season, but that doesn't seem likely.

Marshawn Lynch, RB: Will Sign or Use Franchise Tag

If the Seattle Seahawks allow free agency to arrive and haven't either signed Marshawn Lynch to a new contract or given him the franchise tag, I will be forced to take back some of the nice things I've said about John Schneider and Pete Carroll.

Then, unlike most NFL analysts, I'll get to work on what I'm actually missing.

The Seahawks front office took a fair amount of abuse from national pundits during the 2011 NFL draft. Their draft was called the worst, or close to it, among the 32 NFL franchises. 

James Carpenter, whom I had slated to the Arizona Cardinals with the 37th selection, was called a huge reach. Richard Sherman, who was selected with the pick Seattle acquired in the Josh Wilson trade, was called a wasted pick in the fifth round. Seattle acquired all-rookie linebacker K.J. Wright in the fourth round. 

The point here is one should be careful when second-guessing the Seahawks front office. So if they have a reason to allow Marshawn Lynch to test free agent waters, it would be prudent to wait and see what they have in store.

Lynch figures to have plenty of life left in his legs. He'll turn 26 just before April's draft, and hasn't been overly used in Buffalo or Seattle. He is averaging just over 200 touches per season, but has been right at the 300 mark in three of his six seasons.

That is still well below what some other power backs receive. Maurice Jones-Drew, for example, has almost 500 more touches over the same six-year career and has averaged 375 over the past two seasons.

There will be some concern if Lynch's production in 2011 was the result of running well under Seattle's system or him working extra-hard in a contract year. If Seattle's front office shares those concerns they could opt to sign him to the franchise tag, which is projected at $7.7 million.

I expect Seattle to make him a fair offer, though, and secure the running back for the balance of his productive years.

The result could be a five-year, $35 million contract with additional incentives. This would be slightly above Jones-Drew's 2009 contract and on par with Frank Gore's three-year, $21 million extension signed earlier this season.

Anthony Hargrove, DE/DT: Sign

I fully expect fans to be surprised that Anthony Hargrove is this high up my list. After all, he is a reserve player on the defensive line.

Given Seattle's focus on stopping the run, don't underestimate what he offers this unit.

Hargrove is a versatile player that brings a lot of energy to every part of the offensive line. He has shown the ability to push up the middle or chase ball carriers down the field. His growth in this defense was limited by not being in training camp, but look for the Seahawks to rectify that issue this season.

Seattle needs an interior pass rusher and might be able to find a way to get that from Hargrove in 2012. He's also an option to rotate with Red Bryant on passing downs and give the defensive tackle starters a breather.

Given that Hargrove hasn't made a name for himself, and was released from the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of their 2011 training camp, he is likely looking at a two or three-year contract in the neighborhood of $1 million per season.

Breno Giacomini, OT: Sign

Yes, I have another reserve higher on my list than a few starters. But it isn't fair to call Breno Giacomini just another reserve.

The Seahawks offensive line has suffered through injuries with such frequency that the first tackle and first guard off the bench should not be seen as backups. They will, almost certainly, be a starter at some point during the season.

Giacomini came in for James Carpenter and played at least as well as the rookie.

There is a chance Carpenter won't be ready at the start of training camp. That uncertainty means Giacomini needs to be seen as at least a potential starter in 2012 and Seattle needs the continuity he would bring to the unit.

Even with a healthy Carpenter, Giacomini could challenge him for the starting position.

It shouldn't take starting right tackle money to sign Giacomini, but he'll be a little more expensive than your average backup player. It would be nice to see Seattle sign him for several years, but his agent may be looking for a short-term contract with the hope that he'll see more starting time in 2012 and demonstrate he deserves a shot at starting elsewhere in 2013.

Seattle should work on a three-year deal with Giacomini. With a few starting right tackles sitting on $1 million a year, $2.75 million a year seems to be a fair target for the multi-year option.

David Hawthorne, MLB: Talk

David Hawthorne has become a fan favorite in Seattle, taking over at middle linebacker for the beloved Lofa Tatupu. The latter actually gave Hawthorne his nickname of Heater “because of the way he was out there heating things up.”

Most Seahawks fans will be shocked at the assertion that Hawthorne isn't a must-sign. While I do believe Seattle needs to attempt to keep their leading tackler over the last three seasons, it shouldn't be for a high-dollar contract. 

Going a step further, if not for the Seahawks having two starting LBs entering free agency, I might even suggest the Seahawks let Hawthorne walk.

Hawthorne is a solid middle linebacker, as discussed in my defensive review. However, Seattle's defense has a major issue aside from the lack of a pass rush.

Seattle continues to struggle covering tight ends and running backs in passing routes. 

Both of these issues would be helped with upgrades at linebacker. I mentioned the coverage issue in several game summaries and pregame matchups. Pete Carroll made a point of discussing it after the season.

Seattle's defense still has to improve if they are to pursue a championship, and that effort starts with getting faster at the linebacker position.

Options on the free agent market will be a little thin, but the Seahawks have flexibility in looking on the inside or outside should they wish to find a faster option to Hawthorne. K.J. Wright showed the ability to play the middle position, meaning the Seahawks could move him back inside and look at one or two new starters at outside linebacker.

Eventually I see Hawthorne returning to Seattle next season, but don't expect it to be a high-dollar contract. If Stephen Tulloch was only able to garner $3.25 million, Hawthorne's value should be in the three-year, $7 million range.

The fact that Tulloch didn't exactly flourish in Detroit could further erode Hawthorne's perceived value on the open market.

Paul McQuistan, C/G: Talk

To know where Seattle stands with needing Paul McQuistan, please refer to the slide on Giacomini. I was tempted to place McQuistan in the prior slot, but figured having yet another reserve in front of Hawthorne might be too much for some Seahawks fans to endure.

McQuistan has shown incredible versatility, playing guard, center and even filling in for Russell Okung at left tackle. The Seahawks will certainly try to sign him on the high-end of reserve linemen dollars prior to the arrival of free agency. If they aren't able to do so, he might be priced out of Seattle. 

Seattle shouldn't throw money at McQuistan. While he has played well, the real strength of getting solid production out of reserve linemen is their position coach, Tom Cable. There will be other options in 2012.

Michael Robinson, FB: Talk

During the offseason there was plenty of talk about replacing Michael Robinson with a premier blocker in the fullback position. Now Seattle's fullback is a Pro Bowl alternate.

Don't expect Seattle to pay him as one, though. Robinson was solid in special teams and effective in run blocking. However, he had a costly turnover and showed little production moving the ball as a carrier or receiver.

Seattle could attempt to upgrade the position, but there would be worse things than welcoming Robinson back to the lineup.

John Carlson, TE: Talk

Pete Carroll continues to talk about how much he would like to have John Carlson and Zach Miller on the field together. 

While this would be a great tandem at the tight end position, Seattle might struggle to match a $3 million per year contract, so he's likely to find on the free agent market.

Seattle has almost $7 million per year wrapped up in Miller. Even with Cameron Morrah slated to make just $565,000 from his rookie contract, the Seahawks may not be able to afford to re-sign Carlson.

Jimmy Wilkerson, DE: Talk

Jimmy Wilkerson had 5.0 sacks in 2008 and 6.0 in 2009, both for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He regressed to just two in 2010 for the New Orleans Saints before being injured in the Seahawks training camp last season.

The Seahawks might focus on a younger option and let 31-year-old Wilkerson walk, but Pete Carroll speaks very highly of his spark and competitive nature.

"Jimmy was just coming on and we were hoping that Jimmy would be an addition to the inside of our pass rush on third down and also give us backup play at end on early downs," Carroll stated at the year-end press conference. "Hopefully we'll have him back." 

If Wilkerson can bring some pressure from the inside of the line, he will definitely fill a void in Seattle. 

Leroy Hill, LB: Talk...but He May Walk

Seattle will likely offer Leroy Hill a contract a bit above the league minimum, but not much. He is valued in run defense but is a liability on passing downs. 

In a perfect world, Seattle would keep Hill for another season or two and groom a rookie linebacker that can provide run support, situational pass rush skills and cover a tight end or running back in pass routes.

Actually, I know 31 other teams that are looking for that guy, too.

At a minimum, Seattle needs to bring in a player to platoon with Hill to cover passing downs. That could even be Malcolm Smith, the rookie from USC that struggled with a few injuries in 2011.

Come training camp, it would be ideal for the Seahawks to have Hill in Seattle and competing for a roster spot, but they won't outbid other teams to make it happen. They also shouldn't ignore a few free agents that will hit the open market, and could even use a few draft picks on the position.

Matt McCoy, LB: Talk...but He May Walk

Matt McCoy was the leading special teams tackler for the Seahawks in 2011 when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in October.

He'll turn 30 mid-season, and should have life left in his legs. But he is a reserve at a position the Seahawks desperately need to upgrade.

Colin Cole is a good example of what happens to players in McCoy's position. 

Then again, I wouldn't want to be the person to tell McCoy "no."

McCoy is on the same ground as Leroy Hill. He will be allowed to walk if salary demands are too high, but should at least be offered a low salary to come into camp and compete for a roster spot. 

Mike Gibson, OG: Walk, but Could Be a Training Camp Body

To be fair, I was shocked and crushed when the Seahawks cut Mike Gibson at the end of the 2011 training camp. He was a dark-horse young lineman that I thought could develop into a solid NFL blocker.

To my surprise, he was available to return to the Seahawks when injury issues hit their offensive line for the 45th season in a row. Yes, I know the Seahawks are actually younger than I am, but the point remains.

Gibson is a decent backup and will likely be offered a contract to bring him into camp to compete for a reserve role. But the other options Seattle has at the position will likely leave him as nothing more than a body to work with the team during camp.

David Vobora, LB: Walk

I like the energy that David Vobora brings to the Seahawks, particularly on special teams. He was in tough situation as a late add following training camp. His troubles with becoming familiar with the Seahawks defense were magnified by his revolving door policy with the roster.

The fact remains, though, that Vobora couldn't make the St. Louis Rams' roster. Should there be a spot for him in Seattle?

Seattle is looking for upgrades at linebacker, and that should include Vobora's roster position.

Atari Bigby, SS: Walk

Atari Bigby filled an important role for the Seahawks in 2011. He brought a veteran presence from a player that knows how to win to a very young secondary.

Bigby, who turns 31 at the start of the 2012 season, also supplied blitz capability and coverage help to the Seahawks. He can still fill a solid role on a team in need of safety help, but that team isn't the Seattle Seahawks.

Jeron Johnson has been waiting behind Bigby for his opportunity to play a role on this defense and figures to get that chance in 2012. 

Bigby served his purpose, but Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor are ready to lead this defense.

Heath Farwell, LB: Walk

Heath Farwell is a 30-year-old backup on a team that has put an emphasis on youth. Acquired after being cut by the Minnesota Vikings, he has been primarily a special teams contributor.

I don't see Farwell getting serious consideration to return next season.

Then again, options on the free agent market aren't exactly thick at linebacker.

Justin Forsett, RB: Walk

Justin Forsett has been a fun back for the Seahawks over his time in Seattle. He has also been a positive influence on his former college roommate, Marshawn Lynch.

The Seahawks no longer have the luxury of carrying players for reasons other than they make the Seahawks contenders.

Unless I'm seriously undervaluing Forsett's value to Lynch, Seattle needs to add a back that can either replace Lynch on an every-down basis or an any-down basis. Pete Carroll has talked about adding more playmakers on offense, and that could include a mid-round draft pick on a big-threat running back.

Leon Washington seems to have a roster spot wrapped up, if for no other reason than he's still an elite kick returner. He'll continue to get carries, but Seattle needs more from the third running back than what Forsett is able to deliver.

I originally slated Chris Polk to the Seahawks in round-two of the NFL draft to replace Forsett. Recent mocks are starting to catch up with what Polk offers as well, and he won't likely be an option for the Seahawks at that spot.

Raheem Brock, DE: Walk

It took the Seahawks awhile to re-sign Raheem Brock during the offseason. It could be that the two sides were trying to hammer out the right dollar amount, or it could be that Seattle was looking for a younger option to platoon with Red Bryant on passing downs.

Given the deal was for just one season, I'd lean to the latter option. Given the tremendous drop in Brock's production, I'd say the duration of the contract was spot-on.

Seattle needs a faster, more productive pass rusher and could select Brock's replacement very early in the draft. Look for Pete Carroll to find a player that has a track record of QB sacks but might need some time in the NFL before he's ready to take on the elite left tackles.

This would allow a player to replace Bryant on passing downs and get some valuable NFL experience over the next year or three. Once he is a little seasoned, he could serve as Chris Clemons' replacement.

Charlie Whitehurst, QB: Walk, Run, Leave on a Jet Plane...

The real question here isn't if the Seahawks will offer Charlie Whitehurst a contract in 2012...it is if any team will. 

There is always a need for camp guys, though, and there will certainly be a team out there that wants to see if Pete Carroll missed something in Whitehurst.

In case a team is going to sign him for more than the league minimum, let me save you some time and money. No, Seattle didn't miss anything. He's a below-average backup quarterback that can run a basic offense in a pinch.

I can't fault the Seahawks for taking a chance on Whitehurst. He seems to have the tools to be an NFL quarterback. What is missing is the mental aspect. He seems to get anxious in the pocket and doesn't have the dedication to his craft to become good, let alone great.

My example for that is the 2011 offseason. When Matt Hasselbeck and Justin Forsett were organizing team drills, where was the only quarterback under contract with the Seahawks? Was he in Seattle getting some valuable work in with his receivers? Was he in the huddle attempting to establish himself as a leader of this franchise?

No...as Charlie Daniels pointed out, the Devil went down to Georgia and seemed to settle for Whitehust's passion to be a leader for the Seahawks.

Seattle will most certainly add a quarterback in free agency and/or the NFL draft. With Josh Portis on the roster as a work in progress, there is no room on the Seahawks roster for a player not willing to step up and do all he can to make the team better.