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Is Charlie Whitehurst the Future Quarterback for Pete Carroll's Seahawks?
March 19, 2010
The Seattle Seahawks have just pulled a questionable acquisition that is more like a move that Raiders owner Al Davis would have made with the trade for new backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst from the San Diego Chargers.
Moving down 20 spots in the second round of this year's draft and giving up a third round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, makes for a very bold move on the part of Head Coach Pete Carroll and the Seahawks.
Not only did they give up a lot in regards to draft picks, but they also signed Whitehurst to a new two-year $10 million contract.
In comparison, the Denver Broncos only gave up two future late round draft picks and Peyton Hillis for Brady Quinn.
In other words, the Broncos gave up next to nothing for a somewhat experienced starter, but Seattle gave up much more of an untested backup.
It is quite obvious that Carroll and the Seahawks' brass think that Whitehurst is their answer and possible future quarterback since current starter Matt Hasslebeck is not getting any younger. He has missed almost a full season's worth of games the past two years from injuries.
Carroll has said that he has confidence in Hasselbeck, but thinks Whitehurst hopefully brings a future for the team.
With many mock drafts projecting that the Seahawks may be taking a quarterback in the first round, using one of their two first rounders, Whitehurst's five years of back up experience with Phillip Rivers definitely makes the situation interesting.
Knowing Whitehurst's experience, one could assume that the Seahawks will not be going after a franchise quarterback in this year's crop of young and talented quarterbacks.
Then there is also the possibility that Carroll is already looking toward the 2011 NFL Draft since he has told the media many times how enamored he is with Jake Locker.
Whitehurst though, may still be the guy who Seattle sees as their future at quarterback considering how much they have already invested in him.
Whitehurst played at Clemson and finished his college career with 59.7 percent completion rate, over 9,500 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 42 interceptions.
Those are not the best statistics in college and what he brings to the NFL is virtually unknown.
Are the Seahawks looking at Locker in 2011? Or did they just find their franchise quarterback with Whitehurst?
There are no clear answers for these questions, but this could be a make or break move for Carroll in his third attempt to succeed at the NFL level.
At least the Chargers have had a good track record of drafting quarterbacks with both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers. Whitehurst may be next in line of successful quarterback who were drafted by San Diego.