2011 NFL Free Agency: How Many Players Will the Seattle Seahawks Lose?

Fortunately for the Seahawks, they have a third of their expected salary cap space available.

The only problem is the team needs to round out half of their roster. It could be challenging for Seattle to bring back the players they want to retain and find options to fill their vacant QB position and infuse some talent in their defense's front seven.

Following is a list of the Seahawks free agents and thoughts for each player:

Matt Hasselbeck, QB

Has there been a bigger offseason story line in Seattle than the uncertainty of Hasselbeck returning for another season or three for the Seahawks? Whether it is speculation on his role in organizing and running team mini-camps to analyzing why he is working out with Larry Fitzgerald, fans have been interested in Hasselbeck.

Some fans believe that with a rejuvenated OL and running game, Hasselbeck will maintain the poise and effectiveness shown in the playoffs. Others are done watching his four turnover performances and wish him well somewhere else.

I believe Hasselbeck still has a lot to offer an NFL team. While it would be nice to see him hold down the fort for two years in Seattle while a top QB from the 2012 NFL draft gets up to speed, I see him as a placeholder for Jake Locker in Tennessee.   

Brandon Mebane, DT

I'm not going to go so far as to say Mebane is a "must-sign" player. Seattle could find an equal or better talent in free agency and perhaps receive a third-round draft pick from the team that signs Mebane (it looks as though he will be an unrestricted FA, though).

Mebane was upset that Seattle didn't make him an offer prior to the lockout, but the team needed to wait to see what the salary cap situation will look like. They can't afford to overpay for Mebane; despite his talent, there will be one or two better DTs available in free agency.  

Seattle would be best served by signing one of the few DTs that are as good as Mebane in free agency...and then re-signing Mebane.

Lawyer Milloy, SS

On occasion, stories emanate about a player that had such respect for a coach that he came back to play one last season when he was prepared to retire. Milloy has that level or respect for Carroll, and it seems as though he still has enough left to make the team better.

While Milloy was skewered for coverage issues against the Bears, but closer analysis showed he was covering for another player's blown assignment. I don't see Milloy playing elsewhere, but one more year with Seattle makes sense.

Raheem Brock, DE

Brock took advantage of increased familiarity with Carroll's defensive schemes to build a strong end of the season. He was a beast in the regular season finale, beating Jason Smith for 11 QB disruptions in 25 snaps.

Brock has said he expects to return to Seattle. This is his only logical move, as no other team has a role that is so ideally built for him.

Ray Willis, OT

Willis was expected to be a starter in 2010, but missed the season due to injury. He figures to be a solid addition to an NFL offensive line, and Seattle would do well to re-sign him to compete with Mike Gibson and John Moffitt for starting guard duties. Willis also provides depth for OT.

Leroy Hill, OLB

Hill was asked to renegotiate his contract so it would be over after the 2010 season. He proceeded to get injured and miss the entire year. He's done in Seattle.

Or is he? Seattle is woefully thin at the LB positions. There is little doubt that Lofa Tatupu and Aaron Curry would like to have him back. Now that the dust has settled from last year's issues, Seattle should consider signing Hill to an extension.

Tyler Polumbus, OT

While never being a great contributor, Polumbus gives the Seahawks a versatile backup that can step in and play four positions. A team wouldn't want to fill a line with players equal to Polumbus' talent. However, isn't likely to miss a step if he had to step in as an injury replacement.

Kelly Jennings, CB

Jennings is a source of frustration to fans as he has a strong tendency to give up big plays. While some feel he can't cover, his cover skills are actually quite good. He just struggles to make a play on the ball, and he can have a receiver blanketed but still give up the reception.

Seattle isn't likely to keep Jennings around, but he could certainly provide a buffer while some of the Seahawks' younger players get up to speed.

Sean Locklear, OT

Locklear was given a bit of a bad rap last season.  While he didn't look like his same old self, he still had a solid season.  

It doesn't appear that Locklear figures into the Seahawks' plans. He was asked to renegotiate his contract prior to last season, taking a pay cut and eliminating the end of his contract. Seattle drafted James Carpenter to replace Locklear and that will start now. 

The only way Locklear will remain in Seattle is if he is willing to accept backup RT money. With the number of teams needing an upgrade at RT, that isn't likely.

Chris Spencer, C

Spencer had a quiet yet solid season protecting Hasselbeck in 2010. He lacked push at the line in the ground game, though, and that won't be tolerated in a Tom Cable line.

Spencer will be looking for a starting job in 2011 and will likely find one. The Raiders may be losing Samson Satele...

Junior Siavii, DT

Siavii was solid for Seattle as a reserve and situational run-stopper. The drafting of Lazarius Levingston (DE/DT, LSU) could make Siavii expendable, though...so long as Mebane or a replacement is signed. 

Will Herring, OLB

While Herring provides depth and solid special teams play, he isn't ready to be a starting LB in the NFL. With Lofa Tatupu's return under scrutiny due to health issues, Seattle needs to have a better option in place should David Hawthorne need to move back to the middle.  

Matt McCoy, OLB

The former second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles is a solid contributor in special teams. Look for him to return for another season on a contract similar to Kennard Cox ($550,000 for one year).


Jay Richardson, DE

A late-season addition after being waived by the Oakland Raiders, Richardson should be a cheap player to sign to see if he can ramp up during camp.

Olindo Mare, K

Mare's future in Seattle is sailing wide-right. While he was a solid performer for most of his tenure, his best attribute was kicking the ball deep. With kickoffs being moved back up to the 35-yard line, look for the Seahawks to find a FG specialist. There are a lot of FA kickers this offseason.

Brandon Stokley, WR

Stokley was instrumental running out of the slot in Jeremy Bates' offense last season. However, Seattle will have a new offense and new players vying for limited roster spots. It isn't likely that Seattle will have a spot for him in 2011.

Michael Robinson, FB

Robinson filled a hole for part of the 2010 season, but the Seahawks need an actual blocking FB that can also run with the ball and catch out of the backfield. Robinson isn't that player.

Jordan Babineaux, S

Big Play Babs showed us in Chicago that he can't live up to the expectations of the team or the fans. Seattle needs an upgrade in the secondary.

Ruvell Martin, WR

Thank you, Mr. Martin, for making the play that helped Seattle beat the Rams and make the playoffs. It was a fun ride, but Seattle is out of room on their WR depth chart.

Craig Terrill, DL

Terrill had one last run with the Seahawks when injuries forced them to look for players to fill in. While he has been a fan-favorite, he is better suited for the Seattle bar scene playing in his band than suiting up with his band of brothers on Sundays.

Chester Pitts, G

Pitts has played his last game for the Seahawks. At 32 with health issues lingering from his microfracture surgery, he might have played his last game in the NFL.

Ben Hamilton, OG

Hamilton needs to retire, if he hasn't already.  He was waived after yet another concussion that landed him on the IR.

Nate Davis (QB), Chris Baker (TE) and J.P. Losman, QB) were all released by Seattle.  None of them figure to be back for the Seahawks.