Seattle Seahawks 2012 Free Agency Wishlist

The 2012 free agency period may seem far away; it is, especially given the fact that there is no collective bargaining agreement in place for 2011.

Furthermore, the Seahawks face major questions heading into the 2011 free agency period, as nearly half the roster is eligible to sign elsewhere.

But with the NFL world is currently on hold, speculation and heated dialogue has been the driving force of news during the 2011 offseason.

Given these uncertain times, is there harm in embellishing a bit as we peek into a dream-like unfolding of 2012 free agency, even though the chance of the Seahawks signing any of these players is slim, or even less than slim?

As former player, coach and now ESPN analyst Herm Edwards would say: "why not!"  

Jon Beason, LB, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers middle linebacker--capable of playing outside 'backer as well-- has been in the league four years and never missed a game; he has four 100-plus tackle seasons, with a career low 121 tackles in 2010.

In addition to being a tackling machine, Beason has also proven solid in pass coverage with 29 career breakups and eight interceptions.

Beason's career production and durability is on par with Lofa Tatupu's first four seasons, but Tatupu played only five games in his fifth year.

The Panthers are planning on keeping the 4-3 defensive scheme under new coach Ron Rivera, though the new system will have some wrinkles.

Another productive year by Beason will likely put him in the top of the 2012 free agent class, especially if he proves capable of manning the middle in a hybrid 4-3.

Tatupu is signed through the 2015 season, but he struggled at times in 2010 and had arthroscopic knee surgery on both knees shortly after the season. Backup middle linebacker/ 2010 weakside linebacker David Hawthorne has shown promise in his first three seasons, but his potential as a starter in the middle is still unknown.

If neither proves to be the answer beyond 2011 and Beason somehow hits the market in 2012, his athleticism, attitude, instincts and durability could fit in the middle of the Seahawks defense for years to come.

Troy Polamalu, DB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Polamalu needs no introduction; the 2010 AP Defensive Player of the Year has Super Bowl rings on two fingers and owns a highlight reel longer than most defensive backs.

The versatile and hard-hitting leader in the secondary that has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh. He has played less than 14 games three times in his career and one season with less than double digit games played.

However, Polamalu suffered a slight tear in his Achilles last season. The injury will not need surgery, as the tendon is healing on its own with rehabilitation--his presence on this list assumes a full recovery.

The Seahawks expect budding safety Earl Thomas and 2011 draft pick Mark LeGree to create a formidable tandem at the free safety spot but face uncertainty at the strong safety position; Lawyer Milloy is unsure of his return, and second year player Kam Chancellor saw very limited action in 2010.

There is a chance the Seahawks head into 2012 searching for an answer at the strong safety position. Pete Carroll, his former college coach at USC, knows Polamalu's skill set,.

While Polamalu may be showing signs of wear, his 2010 play suggests he is as explosive as ever when healthy.

His attitude, leadership and playmaking ability would be a tremendous asset to a young Seahawks secondary--especially if Milloy doesn't return--as a potential hall of famer that could help Thomas and LeGree reach their full potential.  

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

The former All-Pro quarterback went to New Orleans in 2006, hoping to help rebuild both a damaged organization and ravaged community; the Saints' Super Bowl title after the 2009 season was vindication for his hard work, on and off the field.

Let's be honest; barring an unexpected twist of events, the odds of the Saints letting Brees leave after the 2011 season are very slim--but remember, this is a wishlist.

Let's keep with the theme of wishful thinking; Matt Hasselbeck accepts the 1 year, $7 million dollar deal he reportedly turned down before the lockout and he competes with Charlie Whitehurst, with a third player thrown in the mix with expectations to become a backup and the potential to become a starter. 

Both Hasselbeck and Whitehurst flop, leaving the Seahawks with a plethora of money to spend at quarterback and a potential top 10-15 pick. 

The wishful thinking continues; Brees has an even more down year than he did in 2010--in comparison to 2006 or 2008-2009--and maybe they even miss the playoffs in a tough division. They have a top 10-15 pick, too.

Imagine if Pete Carroll and John Schneider got the opportunity to sign Drew Brees and had both the roster and cap space to do so: replace Hasselbeck and Whitehurst with Brees and preferred player X.

Pete Carroll equated this opportunity as head coach/vice president in Seattle to a dream-like scenario for his post USC job. If against all odds Brees becomes a Seahawk in 2012, Carroll's dream of winning a Lombardi Trophy may be a step closer to becoming a reality.  

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

How does one spend four years in the league and earn four All-Pro selections? 

By rushing for nearly 5,800 yards, 52 touchdowns and averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Averaging 9.5 yards per catch or higher in three of four seasons doesn't hurt, either. 

Power, size, speed and agility plus improving hands, pass protection, durability and ball security make "AP" the total package in the making.

The Vikings are an organization in transition coming off the deflating season of Brett Favre's farewell from the NFL and the firing of their head coach. If the Vikings struggle mightily in 2011, does Peterson explore signing elsewhere? 

Now, the Seahawks backfield is a crowded situation heading into 2011 with Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett and Leon Washington potentially creating a dynamic trio.

However, Lynch and Forsett are both free agents after 2011. Peterson and Washington in 2012 could look similar to Peterson and Chester Taylor circa 2008-2009, as then offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell recently left Minnesota for Seattle. 

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

The top free agents at the receiver position in 2012, other than Fitzgerald: Marques Colston, Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco, Dwayne Bowe.

Why Fitzgerald? Production, durability, youth and pedigree.

He was a ball boy for the Vikings in high school during the days of Cris Carter and Randy Moss. The new Seahawks regime has proven to value a certain football lineage in building the organization, and Fitzgerald has worked with some of the best at his position.

He is continually recognized by his peers as one of the true elite receivers in the game; his offseason work ethic and continual excellence on the field leaves little doubt as to why he is respected by his competitors.

The Cardinals had a disappointing 2010 and face questions heading into 2011. The organization did make a strong investment in 2011 first round pick Patrick Peterson, a move Fitzgerald praised, but what if the Cardinals prove to be in the midst of a true re-build during the peak of his prime? 

The Seahawks have built depth at receiver, but if they signed Fitzgerald, a piece of that depth may become a trade-able commodity.

With an elite receiving core for years to come, maybe quarterbacks will be lining up to play behind a young, tough, potentially gelling offensive line and throw to the Fitzgerald-Mike Williams duo.  

Haloti Ngata, DL, Baltimore Ravens

Ngata was franchised before the lockout, so its possible he eventually signs a deal to be locked up past 2012.

However, if the 6'4", 350 pound All-Pro defensive tackle hits the market, he will be a hot commodity for good reason.

Ngata is a versatile, powerful and athletic interior defender that can do many things well in the trenches. Not historically an elite interior pass rusher, Ngata did register a career high 5.5 sacks in 2010, with 12 total for his career.

Under the CBA that is rumored to be proposed shortly, defensive lineman Brandon Mebane would become the sixth free agent defensive lineman for Seattle. What if the team heads into 2012 still looking for his replacement, needing a replacement for Colin Cole, or both?

The time is now for the Ravens to win a Super Bowl, with likely Hall-of-Fame players Ray Lewis and Ed Reed entering the final stages of their careers. 

If 2011 is unexpectedly a disappointment in Baltimore and Ngata proves to be too expensive to retain, Ngata may look elsewhere to begin his pursuit of a Super Bowl ring.  

The offensive line was a primary focus of the 2010 and 2011 drafts, and Ngata is the type of massive, defensive building block Pete Carroll may covet next.    

Mario Williams, DL/OLB, Houston Texans

The former number one pick hasn't exactly had a quiet career with 48 sacks in five seasons, but he is coming off his least productive year since his rookie season.

Furthermore, the Texans are switching to Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense, moving Williams to outside linebacker--hoping he can slim down to around 265-- and are in need of experience in the secondary. They took a defensive end and pass rusher with their first two choices in the 2011 draft.

Phillips has faith that Williams can transition to his new role in the 3-4, but what happens if the former number one pick unexpectedly proves to be a bust in Phillips' system?

The team may have a hard time justifying a large contract if they are unsure of his fit within the new scheme, especially given his near $14 million dollar salary in 2011, as Williams has become a complete defensive lineman.

If Williams proves to be best fit playing on the line and leaves Houston after 2011, which would be somewhat surprising given Phillips' expertise running the 3-4 and his success with Demarcus Ware, Williams would be an intriguing fit in Seattle.

Williams has the potential to play a variety of positions, weighing as little as 265 in a speed rushing role, but also the possibility of gaining strength and size to sacrifice speed to play inside at 300-plus. Then again, he's not so bad as is around 295. Regardless, Williams occupies the final spot on the wishlist.