NFL Free Agency 2011: Why the Seattle Seahawks Should Let Matt Hasselbeck Walk

The NFL offseason is underway for most teams now. In the case of the Seattle Seahawks, they made it much further in the playoffs than anyone imagined, but nonetheless have many questions to ask themselves in the offseason. The biggest one is what to do with longtime quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Hasselbeck has been with the Seahawks through thick and thin since 2001. Head coach Pete Carroll has said that re-signing Matt Haselbeck is a top priority for the team going forward, but should that be the case?

On the surface, keeping Hasselbeck around makes complete sense. However, it seems to me that the Seahawks would be better off moving on and looking to the future without Matt Haselbeck, and here's why.

Diminishing Skills

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass against the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Hasselbeck is 35, and while he still has some zip in his throws, he's not the Matt Hasselbeck of old. His completions and yards are still there, but he threw 12 touchdowns to 17 interceptions. I would expect these numbers to gradually get worse, which they have, compared to his great 2007 season.

I'm aware that he's still a capable quarterback now, but the situation could become problematic fast if he remains.

Grooming a 2011-Class QB Won't Work

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Stanford Cardinal on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The main reason for wanting to re-sign him, from what I'm getting, is so that the team can draft a quarterback in this year's class; this way, they can sit behind Hasselbeck and start in 2012.

Why is this a problem? I've been on record many times that this draft class is very overrated. Putting Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett, or whoever in may make things good for this upcoming year, but 2012-13 will end up being a disaster for Seattle. Besides, Seattle has done well for themselves with their sixth round QB in Hasselbeck, no?

Health

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks heads back to the huddle as head coach Pete Carroll looks on during a timeout in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Qwest Field on December 5, 2010 in Seattle, Washingto

Hasselbeck has not been able to play a full season since 2007. He missed over half of 2008 due to various injuries, two games in 2009 due to a fractured rib, and two games in 2010 due to a hip injury.

Injuries happen, but you like your starting quarterback to start as many games as possible. Even missing two each year is a big deal; it's like Shaq sitting out 10 basketball games each year. If he can't go a whole season, that poses problems for Seattle.

Charlie Whitehurst

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst #6 of the Seattle Seahawks stands on the field during their game against the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Whitehurst started two games for Seattle this season, and while he was unimpressive, this was the first time in his career he really saw an NFL field for any sizable period of time in five seasons. Seattle might as well see what they have in him, and if it doesn't work, they can grab a quarterback in 2012.

New Offensive Coordinator

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Jeremy Bates Offensive Coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks directs his team against the Denver Broncos with a bandaged nose at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks hired Jeremy Bates as their offensive coordinator for the 2010 season. He was brought over with Pete Carroll from USC. A season later, the Seahawks fired Bates, and the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach positions are both vacant heading into 2011.

Matt Hasselbeck can't afford all this coaching turnover at this stage of his career. I don't doubt that he can adapt to the change, but it can be a problem for any quarterback.

Free Agent QBs

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Dallas Cowboys on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Since the 2011 QBs are likely not as good as advertised and Charlie Whitehurst may not work out, you may be wonder who would be at quarterback if not Hasselbeck. There are some options out there. For example, if the Eagles do end up trading Kevin Kolb, then the Seahawks could use him. Bringing in Donovan McNabb might work too.

If they're desperate, they could re-sign Seneca Wallace. Not much else to choose from.

Young Offense

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattl

What do Golden Tate, Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett, Mike Williams, and John Carlson have in common? They're all 26 or younger, just about ready to hit their peak. If they have to deal with a rookie quarterback, it may end up being a problem. It could always work out in their favor, but that's a risk.

Rebuilding NFC West

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

If there's one thing the other teams in the West are doing, it's rebuilding after a bad 2010. The 49ers got a new head coach and will get a new quarterback, the Cardinals will get one or the other next year if not this year, and the Rams have started rebuilding with Sam Bradford and look to be a threat for many years.

The odd team out is the Steelers, who seem content with what they have. This may be good for next year, but if the other teams are successful in rebuilding, then the Seahawks may be the odd team out come 2012 or 2013.

Can't Be Mired in the Past

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings talks at a post game press conference after a 13-20 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

If there's one sport where it's dangerous to focus on past accomplishments, it's the NFL. In only a few years since the Seahawks' Super Bowl Appearance, the team is completely different. That's what happens, the players change. Having a player overstay his welcome can be damaging to a legacy, as we're seeing unfold with Brett Favre.