Why Matt Flynn to Seahawks Is Best Free Agent Signing of NFL Offseason

Pete Carroll illegally recruited Matt Flynn.

Okay. I possess no proof for such a claim, but it’s the only logical explanation behind the Seattle Seahawks signing Flynn so cheaply.

Adam Schefter reported the addition via Twitter on Sunday:

"

Filed to ESPN: Matt Flynn has agreed to terms witj [sic] Seattle on a 3-yr contract worth up to $26M w/$10M guaranteed.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2012"

My initial reaction: Are you serious?!

How the Seahawks managed to sign a potential franchise quarterback for less than $10 million a year is a baffling concept. With teams like the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins desperate for quarterback help, Flynn should’ve demanded far more on the open market. And if he does bust, Seattle only agreed to $10 million in guarantees.

Last offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles traded Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for a Pro Bowl cornerback in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick. Zona proceeded to offer Kolb a five-year $63.5 million deal with a whopping $21 million guaranteed.

Kolb never flashed anything more than mediocrity during his time with the Eagles. Flynn, on the other hand, pulled off one of the top performances of the past decade throwing for 480 yards and six touchdowns in Week 17. His career passer rating is 92.8 compared to Kolb’s 76.6.

Again I ask—How?

This will go down as one of the greatest mysteries in NFL offseason history. Kolb was somehow, someway, more sought-after than Flynn. The label for the Seahawks' signing: Flynngate.

Seattle couldn’t possibly enter the 2012 campaign and expect to qualify for the playoffs without a change under center. Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst will never be anything but backup quarterbacks. Neither is capable of carrying a contender.

Flynn has the potential to do just that.

Now, instead of reaching for Ryan Tannehill, Seattle has the luxury to fill another hole in the first round of the 2012 draft. Every way you look at it, Flynn to the Seahawks is without a doubt the free agent signing of the offseason.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels