Seattle Seahawks: Tracking Their 2012 Free Agency Moves

The Seattle Seahawks made several splashy moves during the whirlwind that was the 2011 free agency period.

Many expect the Seahawks to build primarily through the draft, as that was the course used in Green Bay when John Schneider was an active part of the Packers front office. However, the continued need to overhaul talent and Seattle's available cap space make them prime contenders to fill holes in March instead of April.

Look for the Seahawks to sign at least one quarterback, while also diligently working on finding an edge pass rusher. They will need to address linebacker in free agency and/or the draft, and have several of their own players that need attention.

They've already made their first signing, bringing back reserve lineman Breno Giacomini, who stepped in and played well after James Carpenter was placed on injured reserve mid-season. This is an important signing, even if it isn't a flashy one. 

Following is a list of Seattle's free agents, along with a brief summary and a projection of their contract status for 2012. They are listed in order of importance based on the January 11, 2012 free agency article.

Updates will be made as each one makes a decision on his team for 2012 and beyond. Edits will also be made as new players are signed.

Red Bryant, DE:

Bryant has more value in Seattle's defensive scheme than what he would offer most teams. He also has ties to the Northwest, and would love to earn a spot next to his father-in-law, Jacob Green, in the Seahawks Ring of Honor.

"Big Red" will likely be signed before free agency opens. As a run specialist he won't garner top-end defensive end money, but could sign a contract in the neighborhood of for four-years, $22 million.

UPDATE: Bryant signed a five-year, $35 million contract with Seattle. This is significantly more than projected for a player the Seahawks feel they need on their roster.

Marshawn Lynch, RB:

Lynch has too much value to Seattle to let him walk. They don't currently have an alternative to his production on offense and won't likely risk being able to sign or draft a replacement for 2012.

Lynch may sign a long-term deal; four-years, $28 million would match well with the extension Frank Gore signed last summer. However, I expect the Seahawks will initially apply the franchise tag of $7.6 million.

UPDATE: Lynch received an extension worth $31 million over four years.

Breno Giacomini, OT, Re-Signed:

I had Giacomini listed as one of the more important free agent signings for the Seahawks. He is a reserve that will likely be a starter for the Seahawks at some point in 2012 given the recurrent injury bug on the offensive line. Re-signing Giacomini opens up the middle of the Seahawks draft, as they don't need to use two picks to build depth on the offensive line.

They still might need to draft a guard to replace Gallery in the near future, but have a good start on overall depth.

I projected Giacomini would get a three-year deal worth $2.75 million a year. He was given $6 million over two season.

David Hawthorne, MLB: 

Hawthorne has certainly become a fan-favorite, as he's led the team in hustle and tackles the last three seasons. However, his perceived value may be higher to a team other than Seattle.

The Seahawks have struggled covering tight ends and running backs in pass routes with Hawthorne in the middle. I'm of the mind that he won't be back with the Seahawks in 2012. 

Hawthorne's value should be in the three-year, $7 million range based on Stephen Tulloch's 2011 contract. However, I see a team over-spending on him, possibly offering that amount or slightly more for two seasons.

UPDATE: Hawthorne received a five-year, $19 million contract from the New Orleans Saints.

Paul McQuistan, G:

I see McQuistan in the same situation Giacomini was in last week. He is a quality reserve that can step in and start without the offense suffering. With the price being established for Giacomini, it is reasonable to see McQuistan signed by the Seahawks in the next week or so. His performances weren't quite as solid, and the value placed on guard isn't as high as tackle. He could still be in the $2 million per year range, though.

UPDATE: McQuistan was signed by Seattle on a two-year, $4 million contract.

Michael Robinson, FB: 

During the offseason there was plenty of talk about replacing Robinson with a premier blocker. Now Seattle's fullback is a Pro Bowler. That honor shouldn't impact his free agency value too much, as his selection is more a reflection on the position and Lynch's 2011 production.

Still, Robinson will expect a bump over the $1.4 million he made in 2011. With Vonta Leach getting a three-year, $11 million contract, Robinson could cost the Seahawks as much as $5 million over two seasons.

UPDATE: Robinson signed at the projected cost of $5 million over two seasons.

John Carlson, TE:

The Seahawks are in a tough position with re-signing Carlson. They would certainly like to have him return, but the free agent market is fairly thin at tight end. The Green Bay Packers are expected to give Jermichael Finley the franchise tag, leaving Carlson battling Fred Davis as the best options on the market. 

Carlson hasn't produced to validate high-end dollars for a tight end. But several teams need help at tight end and others want to duplicate what the New England Patriots have done with their double sets.

These factors will create a bidding war for Carlson. He may expect a deal worth more than the four-year, $16 million contract Kevin Boss signed with the Raiders last season. The Seahawks likely have too much invested in Zach Miller to part with those dollars for Carlson.

Some team will be willing to part with $20 million over four seasons, particularly if Finley and Davis are retained by their current teams.

UPDATE: The Minnesota Vikings gave John Carlson $25 million over five season.

Jimmy Wilkerson, DE:

Pete Carroll had high expectations for Wilkerson heading into the 2011 season. He was a free agent acquisition but was lost to injury in training camp. Carroll has said he would like to have him back in 2012, as he can help with pass rush efforts. He was paid $1.1 million to sit on injured reserve last season.

Leroy Hill, OLB:

I've changed my stance on Hill a bit over the last month. While I originally expected the Seahawks to not show much interest, he does offer a disruptive force in the run game. He could return and share time with the speedy Malcolm Smith covering passing downs.

The concern with keeping Hill is similar to the issues with Carlson. The linebacker positions are a bit thin in free agency, which could lead to Hill being offered a contract above his value. The Seahawks won't over-spend for the player that made $835,000 last season. If he can get $3 million a year on the open market he'll be gone.

UPDATE: While charges were dismissed, an arrest for marijuana possession hurt Hill's marketability. He's returning to Seattle under an undisclosed one-year contract.

Matt McCoy, LB/ST: 

McCoy is a reserve at a position the Seahawks need to upgrade. His real value is on special teams, though, where he was the leading tackler when lost to a season-ending knee injury in October.

He made $710,000 last season and shouldn't command much more than that in 2012. He'd be worth a spot in camp.

Mike Gibson, G:

After being a casualty of the final roster cuts in 2011, Gibson returned when injuries ravished the starting line. He is a restricted free agent and may be tendered an offer to return to training camp...particularly if McQuistan doesn't come to terms with the Seahawks.

David Vobora, LB:

Yet another free agent linebacker...and another player whose primary value is on special teams. Vobora may get an opportunity to go through training camp and get up to speed with the Seahawks defense in 2012, but expectations are limited for a player that wasn't able to stick with the St. Louis Rams.

Atari Bigby, SS:

Bigby filled an important role for the Seahawks in 2011. He is an established a veteran that knows how to win, something that was missing from a very young secondary.

He won't be needed for that role so his application in 2012 will be based on how well Gus Bradley feels he can serve as Earl Thomas' backup.

Jeron Johnson will likely be ready to backup Kam Chancellor. Bigby should be able to fetch a contract in the $2 million range from a team needing safety help, as there are several teams with needs at the position.

UPDATE: Bigby signed a $2.5 million contract with the San Diego Chargers.

Heath Farwell, LB:

Yes, a team that was already thin at linebacker has five free agents at the position. The good news is it makes it easier to overhaul the position. The bad news is there aren't many free agents that are a good fit for a 4-3 outside linebacker.

Look for the Seahawks to grab a few linebackers in April. Farwell's special teams ability make him a favorite of the non-starting linebackers to return to Seattle.

UPDATE: Farwell signed a three-year, $4.5 million contract. A $500,000 signing bonus would indicate Seattle expects him to make the final roster.

Justin Forsett, RB:

Seahawks fans have been entertained by Forsett during his time in Seattle. The presence of Leon Washington seriously diminishes Forsett's role, which seems to be narrowed to being a positive influence on Lynch, his former college roommate.

The Seahawks don't have the luxury of carrying players for reasons other than they make the Seahawks contenders. They will likely draft a mid-round running back to replace Forsett and see if he can grow into Lynch's replacement...or at least be a change of pace back.

Raheem Brock, DE:

After a very productive 2010 season, Brock was a late re-signing in 2011. His age seemed to show this season, not quite being able to close on sacks he made the year before. He doesn't figure into the Seahawks plans, even as a situational pass-rusher.

Charlie Whitehurst, QB:

The question isn't if the Seahawks will offer Whitehurst a contract in 2012...it is if any team will. There may be a team looking for a backup that gives him an opportunity, but it won't be Seattle.

UPDATE: Whitehurst returned to the San Diego Chargers. He will be paid $4 million over the next two seasons to continue his "Clipboard Jesus" campaign.