Seahawks notes: Owens, Jones, Combine, Running backs

As the free agency deadline nears the major movement in the NFL has come from the running back position this past week with five running backs being let go or non tendered to free agency.

San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson, Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook, Cleveland's Jamal Lewis, San Diego's Darren Sproles and New Orleans' Mike Bell. Also New York Jets running back Thomas Jones will be released next week so he will be added to the list when that becomes official.

Terrell Owens was informed by the Buffalo Bills Saturday that the 36 year old wide receiver would not be back with the organization in 2010 making him a free agent.

The New Orleans Saints have yet to tender a contract offer to Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans and running back Mike Bell. Most likely scenario is the Saints are more willing to sign a long term contract with Evans but let Mike Bell walk with the reports of Reggie Bush being 100 percent guaranteed to be back with the Saints in 2010 along with his eight million dollar price tag.

So with the CBA negotiations not going anywhere anytime soon it's clear that many of the expected unrestricted free agents will be restricted free agents.

However free agency isn't the only topic around the NFL.

Saturday marked the beginning of the NFL combine in Indy where all 32 teams will have their eyes on the top tier players in the upcoming NFL draft as well as the sleepers that will become steals in the draft.

So with that being said here's some news, notes and rumors regarding the Seattle Seahawks.

-WR Terrell Owens: The rumors and reports will start flying on March 5th about Terrell Owens and the Seahawks being a good pair with Nate Burleson testing the free agent market after not receiving a contract offer from the Seahawks.

Now there are a few questions if you want to picture T.O in Seattle.

One, would the Seahawks want to sign an aging wide receiver like T.O at the age of 36? Two, how much would the Seahawks be willing to offer Owens to come to Seattle because he's only going to get around one to two million max in free agency at this point in his career.

Now Owens can still put up numbers at his current age. Last season in Buffalo, a quarterback dead zone he compiled 55 receptions for 829 yards and five touchdowns. With Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback there is no reason to think T.O's numbers would go down if Owens came to Seattle.

Currently the Seahawks have TJ Houshmandzadeh (32), Deion Branch (30), Deon Butler (24) as the starting three wide receivers for 2010. Houshmanzadeh is guaranteed to be back in Seattle next season as is Deon Butler but there have been many questions surrounding Deion Branch in his three years in Seattle.

Terrell Owens, at the price of $1-2 million would be a great addition in Seattle to go along side TJ Houshmandzadeh and Deon Butler who would be the slot wide receiver like Bobby Engram use to be two years ago.

-LT Walter Jones: Pete Carroll said at the NFL combine that Walter Jones has not come to a final decision on whether to retire or come back for his 14th NFL season.

Here is a quote from Pete Carroll via Danny O'Neil from the Seattle Times.

"I would be wrong to tell you that I know right now, specifically," Carroll said. "I know he's thinking about pursuing the retirement thing and all that. And until that's really final, that's about where it is."

- NFL Combine: The offensive tackles and tight ends worked out Saturday at the NFL combine and five players really stood out and improved their draft stock by their performance at the combine.

Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, Oklahoma OT Trent Williams, Pittsburgh TE Dorin Dickerson, Oregon TE Ed Dickson and Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung (left early with a groin injury).

Clausen and Bradford are both at the combine but will not workout at the combine. They will meet with coaches and scouts from a lot of teams but nothing hands on.

You can probably bet that Jimmy Clausen will be looking for Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll after the comments he made today during an interview.

Clausen said "as a person I love coach Carroll to death" and also that he'd love being a part of Carroll's team in Seattle if drafted by the Seahawks.

Carroll and Clausen go way back to when Clausen was 13 years old and Carroll was recruiting him to come play at USC. So Jimmy Clausen is a name to watch for the Seahawks when they select No. 6 overall.

-Running backs: There have been a lot of rumors swirling about the Seahawks and adding a running back in free agency. Mainly Tomlinson, Thomas Jones, Darren Sproles, Westbrook and Chester Taylor among others.

For all those wondering if the Seahawks will sign a big name back this off season the answer is simply this.

No.

The Seahawks under new head coach Pete Carroll and new general manager John Schneider plan to build the foundation of the Seahawks through the NFL draft to insure long term success.

Quarterback, running back, left guard and tackle, defensive tackle and safety all make up the core foundation of an NFL team so take all those positions and cross them off the Seahawks free agent list. Only safety would be one to fill via free agency with Darren Sharper.

The Seahawks will be looking for an every down back in the draft with Clemson running back CJ Spiller topping that list.

A couple of other added notes:

-Seahawks franchised kicker Olindo Mare

-Nate Burleson will be an unrestricted free agent

Should the Seattle Seahawks draft a QB?

The million dollar question looming in Seattle is centered around Pete Carroll and what he wants to do at the quarterback position.

Carroll and Schneider are in a rough position because they have come in during the middle of a horrendous rebuilding process, which was created by former Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell.

Matt Hasselbeck is entering into the final year of his contract and with the amount of injuries he's had over the past two years his future, with the current offense is questionable. The Seahawks have Seneca Wallace and Mike Teel behind Hasselbeck and neither have the complete package to be a 16+ game starter in the NFL.

What makes the Seahawks quarterback situation even more intresting is the fact that Seattle holds two of the top 15 picks in the upcoming 2010 draft with really only two quarterbacks being worthy of a starting job in the NFL.

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen. Other quarterback who need a lot of work, along with Clausen and Bradford would be Texas' Colt McCoy, Florida's Tim Tebow, Ole Miss' Jevan Sneed as well as other late round possible.

Needless to say this is one of the weakest draft classes for quarterbacks in a while. So the question becomes, is Pete Carroll willing to make a bold decision and possibly take one of the two top quarterbacks in the draft and should the Seahawks even draft a quarterback this year having passed on Mark Sanchez last year.

The answer is no.

The Seahawks do need an answer long term at quarterback but with one year remaining on his contract and still having many more important needs on this football team, drafting a quarterback is not something the Seahawks can afford to do.

Pete Carroll said at his introductory press conference that Paul Allen along with the rest of the front office want to be a winner now and moving forward. The Seahawks and Carroll need to use free agency as well as the draft to build around Hasselbeck.

Building around Hasselbeck will setup short and long term success for the Seahawks organization, which will be crucial for Pete Carroll's success in Seattle.
The Seahawks need to find an every down running back, possibly CJ Spiller in the draft. An explosive wide receiver, possibly Brandon Marshall. At least two or three offensive linemen (left tackle, left guard and right tackle) which most will come from the draft.

Matt Hasselbeck said recently that if given the help (offensive line and running game) that he can lead the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl and win in the Super Bowl.

Take his word for it, when the Seahawks have a running back gain over 1000 yards they are a 10+ win team as history has shown with Shaun Alexander and Ricky Williams as well as others before them.

So with all that being said the Seattle Seahawks should not entertain drafting a quarterback in this draft class.

NOTE: Jake Locker, the University of Washington quarterback will enter the draft
next year so look for Seattle to try as hard as possible to keep Locker in the state of Washington. Imagine Seattle's fan base moving from the Dawg Pound to Qwest Field.

Seahawks notes: Marshall, Mawae, Rolle and LT

In an effort to further inform the readers I’ve decided to have a weekly article about any and all Seahawks notes and rumors from around the league.

With the Seahawks being one of the most “link attached” teams this off season it will be interesting to see what unfolds under this new direction of Seahawks football under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider.

With the Seahawks having an owner in Paul Allen, who early in the off season made it apparent that he is not afraid to make a bold statement with a lot of cash attached to that statement.

The Carroll example being the hire former USC head coach Pete Carroll to a five year $35 million dollar contract while buying out Jim Mora Jr. of his remaining $12 million.

Now with the coaching and front office slots all filled out it’s that time of the year where those personnel guys make their living with free agency coming up on March 5th and the NFL draft April 22nd-24th.

Heading into the off season the Seahawks have a lot of question marks throughout the depth chart from the starting quarterback to the offensive line to the defensive line and secondary.

The Seahawks will need to fill the “needs” at QB, WR, OL, DL, CB/S as well as overall talent depth throughout the team. Matt Hasselbeck is in the final year of his six year $47 million dollar contract and isn’t getting any younger at the age of 34.

Then at wide receiver the Seahawks lack a dynamic play making receiver with TJ Houshmandzadeh being more of an “over the middle/moving the chains” type of receiver.

Nate Burleson is expected to hit the open market unless a new contract is reached.Deion Branch…well that’s always a question mark and the possible trade rumors with the Patriots don’t make that easier. Deon Butler will be entering his second season in the NFL and fits mostly in a quick slot receiver, not a “play maker”.

The Seahawks have been heavily rumored to Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is expected to be a restricted free agent, unless there is a new CBA.

On the offensive line the Seahawks don’t know about Walter Jones’ true status and if he will be able to return for a 14th season in the NFL. Then the Seahawks have question marks with right tackle Sean Locklear who became a human turnstile last season and doesn’t look worthy of being a starter in the NFL.

At defensive end they don’t know what to expect from Patrick Kerney who has underperformed since breaking out with 14 sacks in his first season in 2007. Then outside of Kerney the Seahawks don’t have any effective pass rushing defensive end which seriously hurt them last season.

Corner back is also a question mark with Ken Lucas, 31, becoming an unrestricted free agent and Josh Wilson is really more of a fit at safety than corner for his size. So the Seahawks could look to target Joe Haden in the draft for that. At safety Deon Grant isn’t getting any older or better for that matter and Jordan Babineaux, while having over 100 tackles really underperformed as an overall safety and having Darren Sharper becoming an unrestricted free agent the Seahawks would be more inclined to go a different direction and look to target Sharper in free agency.

So with that being said here’s a few rumors and notes about the Seahawks.

- WR Brandon Marshall: There has been a lot made of the trade rumors surrounding Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is a restricted free agent unless a new CBA is agreed upon. The Broncos want the best deal they can get for Marshall if they decide that they should in fact trade the dynamic receiver.

The Seahawks seem like the most likely team with the most firepower to acquire Marshall. They have two first round picks (No. 6 and No. 14) in the 2010 NFL draft as well as the No.40 pick in the second round. Seattle also have a few players that could be included like wide receiver Deion Branch (worked with McDaniel’s in New England) and linebacker Leroy Hill (underperformed last season, still has great athletic ability).

The Broncos hold the 11th overall pick in the 2010 draft and if a scenario came up where on draft day both Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen are both gone before the Seahawks pick at six overall that pick would become great bait for the Broncos who could swap first round picks (No. 6 for No. 11) and the Seahawks would include Deion Branch while the Broncos would include Brandon Marshall.

With that pick at six overall the Broncos could select their replacement for Marshall in Dez Bryant or could go linebacker with Rolando McClain.

-C Kevin Mawae: The 39 year old veteran center will hit the open market once free agency opens up, Mawae’s agent Jim Wyatt said today. “He will definitely hit the market, but [we'll] continue to talk to the Titans.”

With the Seahawks having question marks at both left and right guard there could be the possibility of moving Max Unger, the Seahawks second round pick from 2009 to left guard and plugging in Mawae in a center, giving the Seahawks an experienced NFL center (like former Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck).

Mawae wouldn’t command top dollar so the Seahawks don’t have to worry about breaking the bank on him. Having an experienced NFL center would be very helpful should the Seahawks draft either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen in the draft, which will most likely happen.

- S Antrel Rolle: The Seahawks biggest division rival, the Arizona Cardinals have taken a few steps back this off season with the loss of quarterback Kurt Warner to retirement and linebacker Karlos Dansby will be hitting the free agent market as the Cardinals won’t franchise him.

However the salary strapped Cardinals could also be sending safety Antrel Rolle along with Dansby to free agency.

Rolle is scheduled to make $8.1 million in base salary this upcoming season along with a $4 million dollar roster bonus on March 1st. The Cardinals, according to Arizona Republic reported Kent Somers are not willing to shell out that much for Rolle.

So now the Cardinals, who already are paying $7.8 million for another safety in Adrian Wilson, have to decided do they want to cut him lose or come to an agreement on a new long term contract.

With the Cardinals still having to work out wide receiver Anquan Boldin’s contract situation as well as other players the most likely route will be to cut Rolle lose, making him an unrestricted free agent.

This could be a perfect situation for the Seahawks who are in desperate need of a play making safety. The Seahawks could make it a win-win for the team. If the Carroll and company get the word that Rolle will be an unrestricted free agent it makes a lot of sense to make a heavy push for the safety.

- RB LaDainian Tomlinson: With the big news coming down Monday afternoon that the Chargers have decided to let go of nine year veteran LaDainian Tomlinson it makes the free agency picture a little more thicker.

There is going to be a lot of rumors about the Seahawks being linked to a lot of running backs from Willie Parker to Chester Taylor to LT but I’d like to take the time to put and end to them before they officially start.

The Seahawks are not in need of a running back with Justin Forsett’s performance last season. So you can ignore the rumors about CJ Spiller or any other running back, unless it’s Ryan Mathews because he’s the only fit in the ZBS.

As the free agency period approaches there is going to be a lot of rumors with the “Seattle Seahawks” tag right next to it so I will do my best to sort out the fact and the national enquirer rumors out there involving the Seahawks.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

Seattle Seahawks: Five players to watch at the combine

As teams look toward free agency as the March 5th deadline is fast approaching other teams are looking toward the NFL’s scouting combine where teams get a chance to look at the majority of the top players in the upcoming draft.

Now in this case it’s taking a look at the top five players the Seahawks need to keep both eyes on when Carroll and his staff head to Indianapolis on February 24th when the scouting combine takes place. The combine goes from February 24th to March 2nd 2010.

The two names that officially will not be at the combine are Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford (who is currently projected No. 6 to Seattle in Mel Kiper Jr’s and my mock draft) who is still rehabbing from a season ending shoulder injury.

Also not attending the combine is Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

The five players I have listed are not necessarily first round projections but the topic is five players the Seahawks scout staff, including Pete Carroll and John Schneider need to have both eyes on so some players will be first round projections but some will also be third, fourth and later round projections as well.

Now before I give my list of five players I would like to share my Seahawks educated draft rules/philosophy that people really need to pay attention to when they address what the Seahawks should do in the 2010 draft, especially with the No. 6 and No. 14 overall picks. These rules and philosophy are following the same ones that the current coaching staff follow.

* Alex Gibbs and his zone blocking scheme are built on late round (3rd,4th 5th) picks not first round picks like some people have Russell Okung, Anthony Davis and Bruce Campbell going to the Seahawks with the No. 6 overall pick. It won’t happen so look for Seattle to scout deep with this exceptional class of offensive tackles.

* Matt Hasselbeck, at his current stage in his career doesn’t bod well in new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates scheme which is built around a pocket quarterback with great accuracy and someone who can throw at least 30-40 times a game.

* John Schneider, in his time in Green Bay drafts tall corner backs and none of the corners on the Packers roster were under six feet. So keep that in mind if you want to scout corners for the Seahawks.

* Pete Carroll believes strongly in starting a rookie at quarterback, which signals that Sam Bradford his the likely pick at No. 6 overall for the Seahawks because it gives him a chance right off the bat to start.

So while keeping those rules/philosophy in mind here’s a list of the top five players the Seahawks need to keep their eyes on at the combine.

1) Ciron Black, OT LSU

Examination: Here’s an obvious sign of the new coaching philosophy at work. Coming into the 2009 college campaign Black was considered a first round talent but after a disappointing senior season his stock dropped from a first round pick to a third or fourth round pick.

Now Black has a lot of upside having started 53 consecutive games in his career at LSU. Black’s other upsides would be his great technique, quickness, awareness, very durable and has great size. Black can play at either left or right tackle, most likely left tackle.

Ciron Black has almost no drawbacks other than not having elite agility and getting too high in his stance. Other than that he’s a steal of a pick in the third or fourth round and would become a great, low cost fit in Alex Gibbs offensive line.

2) Sergio Kindle, DE Texas

Examination: Sergio Kindle, another outstanding product of Mack Brown’s system at Texas. Kindle is the 2010 version of Brian Orakpo, another former Texas Longhorn who was selected 13th overall in the 2009 draft by the Washington Redskins.

However Kindle has dropped from his first round projection he still is valued in the early to mid second round where the Seahawks hold the No. 40 overall pick in the 2010 draft.

Kindle is by far one of if not the most gifted defensive player in the draft but just like Ciron Black, Kindle only recorded six sacks in his senior season so he’ll take a short fall to the second round and will be an excellent steal to whichever team selects him, possibly the Seahawks.

Sergio Kindle is a pass rushing defensive end/outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense so Kindle would fit in as a defensive end in the Seahawks 4-3 defense.

So look for the Seahawks to have their eyes on defensive end Sergio Kindle at the combine.

3) Myron Rolle, S FSU

Examination: Rolle is the first college athlete in a long time to chose academics over athletics so his decision to take a year off of football and head to Oxford hurt his draft stock but it’s been rapidly increasing from the Senior Bowl and should he have a good showing at the combine in late February he could be as high as a second round pick.

Myron Rolle was an outstanding safety in his three years at Florida State and the only question teams will have for Rolle is “are you fully committed to football?”

Teams will shy away from Myron if they feel he’s not committed to the NFL and his football future. No team wants to have him retire three years down the road if things are not working out.

4) Mike Johnson, G Alabama

Examination: Here’s another prime example of Alex Gibbs philosophy on the offensive line at work. Mike Johnson, a former late first round projection is now in the same area as OT Ciron Black who is listed number one on this list.

Johnson is a perfect fit in the zone blocking scheme and is a very talented and durable offensive lineman, something that will be key for the Seahawks on draft day. I don’t think they will draft any player that hasn’t been durable, and I do list Sam Bradford as being durable.

The Seahawks need an upgrade at the starting left/right guard and Mike Johnson can play either position.

5) Ryan Mathews, RB Fresno State

Examination: Another example of why the Seahawks hired Pete Carroll, he can recognize the best college talent and how any player fits into his philosophy and schemes. Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews is a perfect fit in a zone blocking scheme.

The Seahawks don’t need a first round flashy running back like people think because Pete Carroll is going to give that to Justin Forsett but don’t be surprise if Ryan Mathews name is called when the Seahawks have their second round pick.

If the Seahawks take a running back in the 2010 draft it’s only going to be Ryan Mathews.

NOTE: In a couple of weeks I will be coming out with an indepth review of how the Seahawks should look at the 2010 draft class, the players they should target and the players who fans and other writers need to forget about. Hint being running back CJ Spiller.

Now as you can tell from my list that I stuck with the Seahawks rules and coaching philosophy when I compile my five players that Carroll and his staff should keep both eyes on at the combine because it’s not about the highest rated player its based on need, value and how well that player fits into the Seahawks coaching schemes.

That is why you don’t see a high offensive tackle like Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, Bryan Bulaga, Trent Williams etc because the Seahawks won’t draft an offensive tackle in the first round.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

2010 NFL Mock Draft: First round (third edition)

In my second installment of my 2010 NFL Mock Draft I received some comments from outspoken Redskins and Lions fans discussing their opinion on my selections of a quarterback and offensive tackle respectively.

Well now that the Senior Bowl has come and gone that has only a very slight effect on the third edition of my mock draft. So with that being said here is the third edition of my 2010 NFL Mock Draft. Click here for my first and second editions of my previous mock drafts (click first for the first edition and second for the second edition and it the future so on and so forth).

1) St Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska

Examination: This pick, baring some bizarre reason Suh suffers a major injury, is set in stone for me for two reasons. One, because Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo is a true defensive minded head coach and that’s exactly how he plans to build up the Rams with defense first.

Two, the Rams are a team dying for talent and Suh is with out any doubt the best player with the best upside in the entire 2010 draft.

Suh brings immediate impact along with unmatched talent and intensity which makes Ndamukong Suh the best overall pick going No. 1 overall to the St Louis Rams.

Second option: Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

2) Detroit Lions: Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State

Examination: No matter what people say Russell Okung is the right pick for the Detroit Lions at No. 2 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

A lot of people have the Lions choosing between Okung and Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy but when you are a team like the Detroit Lions in a rebuilding mode, with your franchise quarterback and wide receiver already in the fold you need the third piece of the triangle.

That being left tackle, the most important position outside of quarterback because the Lions need to have a long term answer to protect Matt Stafford’s blindside.

Right now the Lions have 32 year old Jeff Backus and 34 year old Jon Janson at left tackle. For a team rebuilding the Lions will need to get younger as well as upgraded talented at the left tackle position and no one fits that bill better than OT Russell Okung from Oklahoma State with the second overall pick.

Second option: Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma

Examination: A lot of people have Tennessee safety Eric Berry going to the Buccaneers third overall and I had him going to Tampa in my last mock draft but after reviewing the Bucs needs and areas where they need improvement I landed on defensive tackle over safety.

Currently the Bucs have Chris Hovan (31) and Ryan Sims (29) currently starting at the defensive tackle positions (4-3 defense).

With the selection of McCoy, it would bring a fresh, aggressive pass rushing defensive tackle into the Bucs defensive line. Something the Buccaneers defense could definitely use as Raheem Morris rebuilds this franchise.

Second option: Eric Berry, S Tennessee

4) Washington Redskins: Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers

Examination: I was debating between Jimmy Clausen and Anthony Davis for this pick and I decided for my third edition to go with Davis, which will most likely change as the draft moves closer.

With Mike Shanahan as the Redskins new head coach and executive VP there is going to be a tough decision in the Redskins war room come draft day. It’s ultimately going to come down to Clausen vs Davis and more importantly QB vs LT and which need is more of a concern to Shanahan and his coaching staff.

The Redskins lost LT Chris Samuel to retirement after suffering a career ending injury. Replacing Samuel was Levi Jones who does not fit long term as a corner stone of the Redskins franchise.

It’s always the key in the NFL to select the franchise left tackle, then the quarterback then either running back or wide receiver depending on need but left tackle and quarterback are 1a and 1b in order of importance.

So with that being said I have the Washington Redskins selecting OT Anthony Davis from Rutgers fourth overall in the 2010 draft.

Second option: Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame

5) Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, S Tennessee

Examination: If the draft falls the way I have it falling in this mock draft it becomes very hard for the Chiefs to make this pick because their biggest need at left tackle is gone with Russell Okung and Anthony Davis already off the board, the only two tackles worth taking in the top 10.

Then you have to move down to wide receiver and it might be too early to take a player like Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State but it is still a possibility.

So flip over to the defensive side where they have selected defensive ends Tyson Jackson (09) and Glenn Dorsey (08) in the first round the last two years so defensive line is not a high priority for the Chiefs. Their linebacking corps is in motion but is still a solid core of players.

So move to the defensive backs where there isn’t much talent outside of Brandon Flowers. So if Russell Okung and Anthony Davis are both off the board then safety Eric Berry is the best pick for the Chiefs fifth overall.

Berry can bring a great added presents into the Chiefs defensive backfield which will help improve their defense which ranked 29th in the NFL allowing 26 PPG.

Second option: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State

6) Seattle Seahawks: Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

Examination: This couldn’t work out better for Pete Carroll and his new coaching staff as they look to rebuild the Seahawks organization so they can be a winning franchise competing for a Super Bowl year in and year out.

The selection of Sam Bradford is a perfect fit for the Seahawks now and long term for two reasons.

One, the Seahawks have a 34 year old quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck who has had more than his fair share of injuries of his career and they have begun to pile on the last two years. With a new philosophy coming in with Jeremy Bates as the offensive coordinator it is a perfect fit to bring in Sam Bradford into the fold as the Seahawks look to build the core of their team through the draft and they need to put the pieces in place this season not a year or two down the road.

Two, the Seahawks have always had their offense up and running which allows the defense to be a lot more successful that it has been in the past three years. The Seahawks have everything in place on offense but a few missing pieces on the offensive line, some which Alex Gibbs (new OL coach who is a genius with the ZBS and doesn’t need high drafted OT and OL to be successful, he uses third, fourth and fifth round offensive linemen) can help with and some that the Seahawks will have to address later in the draft. Other than LT the Seahawks have a secure group of wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs led by Justin Forsett who will be the number one running back next season.

The only thing missing for the Seahawks on offense is a talented young quarterback who can lead this team back to the Super Bowl.

Sam Bradford is the best quarterback in the draft with impeccable accuracy and a highly underrated arm and great awareness for a quarterback and knows where he is at all times.

So with the sixth pick in the 2010 NFL draft and the first pick in the Pete Carroll era in Seattle I have Sam Bradford going to Seattle.

Second option: Joe Haden, CB Florida

7) Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB Florida

Examination: With “Big Mike” now running the show in Cleveland the decision that has to be made with Holmgren and Mangini is who is going to be the quarterback in Cleveland? Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson or ditch both and go with a QB like Clausen in the draft.

Once the two decide on a quarterback then they can decide where they want to go in the draft. Holmgren has always been an offensive minded coach and GM but has a solid draft record and recommendation when he wasn’t the GM but still was the head coach.

Marcus Trufant, Lofa Tatupu and other late round picks. So if Holmgren and Mangini want to fill a void as well as add some high end talent then the pick of Joe Haden from Florida is the perfect pick. Haden has a lot of similarities to Jets corner Darrell Revis.

Second option: Dez Bryant,WR Oklahoma State

8) Oakland Raiders: Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida

Examination: Like I have stated in my previous two mock drafts when it comes to mocking the Raiders pick you have to turn into a 80 year old grumpy outdated GM and Owner who always gets called out for his picks, most recently of Darius Heyward-Bay and Jamarus Russell.

So in this case I’m sticking with my previous selection of Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap. Dunlap has great talent at defensive end with a 4.7 40 time which would still appease Davis.

Whether Richard Seymour will see-more enough dough to be convinced to come back to Oakland is yet to be seen but even with him Dunlap is the selection.

Second option: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

9) Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame

Examination: Much like the Seattle Seahawks at No. 6 overall this is the perfect scenario for the Buffalo Bills. Right now the Buffalo Bills have nothing at the quarterback position.

Now yes new GM Buddy Nix said they have some good QB’s but they never have the protection needed, you can not stand there and tell me that you are muy contento with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards and Brian Brohm at quarterback moving forward.

I don’t think anyone in their right mind would say that.

Now granted they did hire Chad Gailey as the teams new head coach so who knows they might even draft Tim Tebow here.

Now in all seriousness the Buffalo Bills, should the draft fall this way which is has a good chance of doing, need to select Jimmy Clausen with the ninth overall pick.

Second option: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

10) Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE GT

Examination: Te-Bow…Te-Bow…Te-Bow. That’s the sound you’re going to hear from a lot of Jacksonville Jags fans over the next few months leading up to the draft. However I do think Tebow should and will end up in Jacksonville but this is way to early to take him.

The Jags have a few options here depending on how the draft falls. They could just go ahead and take Tim Tebow to bring back the fans and start to make some profit in Jacksonville. Or they could actually decide to go for talent and need and hope that Tebow falls to them in the second round and take a pass rushing defensive end like Derrick Morgan or Jason Pierre Paul.

I feel that the Jags will take the Georgia Tech product over the USF product in this case.

The Jaguars recorded only 14 team sacks in 2009. Morgan recorded 12.5 sacks alone in his final season at GT so that shows if the Jags want to improve the team to a winning franchise they will need to look at a defensive end, in this case I have them taking Derrick Morgan from Georgia Tech with the tenth pick in draft.

Second option: Tim Tebow, QB Florida

11) Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, LB Alabama

Examination: This pick is all hanging in limbo with what happens to Brandon Marshall and where he will be traded or not. I still will have McClain mocked here for the Broncos even if Marshall is traded, which I see as a high likely hood.

Also the Broncos will have to figure out about Elvis Dumervill and his situation but overall I have this pick being Alabama ILB Rolando McClain to the Denver Broncos 11th overall.

Second option: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State

12) Miami Dolphins: Earl Thomas, S Texas

Examination: Bill Parcells is large and in charge still in Miami so right off the bat that rules out Dez Bryant with this pick because Big Tuna never takes wide receivers high in drafts. Terry Glenn was the exception because the owner at the time, Bob Kraft demanded it when he was the head coach.

Now that Parcells runs the show in Miami he will be looking at NT, FS, CB and LB as the main holes to fill this off season and mainly in the draft.

Today the Dolphins cut disgruntled linebacker Joey Porter so linebacker becomes a little bit more of a glaring need. However I have Rolando McClain going one spot higher to the Denver Broncos so that option is out (in this mock draft at least).

So looking at those positions of need for the Dolphins and then look at the players still on the board. Nose Tackle would be Dan Williams, free safety would be Earl Thomas, corner back would be Donovan Warren and linebacker would be Sean Weatherspoon.

Out of those four and looking at the needs I have decided to go with Texas safety Earl Thomas to the Miami Dolphins 12th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Second option: Dan Williams, NT Tennessee

13) San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma

Examination: For some reason a lot of people have running back C.J Spiller being selected here by the Niners but the last time I looked Frank Gore was still in the 49ers backfield so that would be a waste of a pick.

However they do have a need on the offensive line and at the tackle position. Trent Williams, along with Bruce Campbell are the two best offensive tackles on the board and for the 49ers Trent Williams fits more into their scheme than Campbell.

Second option: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

14) Seattle Seahawks: Jason Pierre Paul, DE South Florida

Examination: In this mock Pete Carroll is batting a thousand in his first ever draft for the Seahawks with Sam Bradford and now Jason Pierre Paul.

The Seahawks had zero pass rush last season and as I pointed out in my Julius Peppers article the Seahawks defensive success starts with the pass rush. Last season the Seahawks recorded 28 sacks, the lowest amount in over five years.

So as Pete Carroll starts his Seahawks era it will be very crucial to get a dominant pass rushing defensive end, or two if the team decides to sign Julius Peppers in free agency.

It has shown in recent years, as I pointed out in my Peppers article that the higher the team sack total the better the defense is as a whole which leads to more wins for the Seahawks.

Second option: Mike Iupati, G Idaho

15) New York Giants: Dan Williams, DT/NT Tennessee

Examination: This will come down to who’s on the board and what happens with Osi Umenyiora. No matter what happens the Giants need to draft a defensive tackle to stop the run because last season the Giants defense gave up over 420 points a franchise high.

So now that defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan is out after only his first season on the job it’s now the focal point of the Giants off season to improve their underachieving defense.

Selecting defensive tackle Dan Williams from Tennessee to stick in the middle of the Giants defensive line will go a long way to improving the run defense and the overall Giants defense for a long time.

Second option: Brian Price, DT UCLA

16) Tennessee Titans: Brian Price, DT UCLA

Examination: The Titans need help on defense but Carlos Dunlap, Derrick Morgan and Jason Pierre Paul are all off the board so they can move to defensive tackle and still select a great consolation prize with Brian Price from UCLA.

Price made a great decision to come out a year early and the Tennessee Titans will love this pick if Dunlap, Morgan and Pierre Paul are all of the board.

Second option: Brandon Graham, DE Michigan

17) San Francisco 49ers: Donovan Warren, CB Michigan

Examination: With the 49ers taking an offensive tackle with their first of two first round picks they can now turn their attention to their next need, that being corner back.

This season the 49ers had to resort to signing Dre Bly as well as not having any long term solution opposite of Nate Clements.

So the selection of Donovan Warren gives the 49ers a great cover corner for a long time.

Second option: C.J Spiller, RB Clemson

18) Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati, G Idaho

Examination: The Steelers can go one of two ways with their first round pick. They can address their need on the offensive line or they can look for a long term replacement for NT Casey Hampton who will be 33 soon.

Even if the Steelers decide to franchise Hampton they still won’t have a long term solution at nose tackle but right now there isn’t any elite or close to elite nose tackles on the board so the Steelers have to turn to the offensive line and that’s where Mike Iupati from Idaho fits perfectly.

Iupati is a stand out offensive guard who can play anywhere on the offensive line so that makes this pick all the better for Pittsburgh.

Second option: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland (I have him as a lot of teams second option)

19) Atlanta Falcons: Everson Griffen, DE USC

Examination: The Falcons have only one need this off season and that is to greatly improve the pass rush on defense which only recorded 28 sacks in 2009.

The Falcons could go with a linebacker here but defensive end us the number one need and because I don’t see Peppers dawning red next season Everson Griffen is their next best option with all the other defensive ends off the board.

Second option: Sean Weatherspoon, linebacker Missouri

20) Houston Texans: Taylor Mays, S USC

Examination: The ideal pick for the Texans here would be Earl Thomas from Texas but he’s long gone in this draft so they have to slide down to the next best safety which would be hard hitting Taylor Mays from USC.

The Texans have never had that elite safety presents in franchise history so it’s important they add an aggressive hard hitting safety early in the draft.

21) Cincinnati Bengals: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State

Examination: Talk about taking a Brady Quinn fall except this time there isn’t any place between the Broncos and Bengals for Dez Bryant to go so the Bengals hit the lotto with this one . The Bengals are in need of receivers and with the passing of Chris Henry and that age of Chad Ochocinco it’s key that the Bengals pickup a sure handed wide receiver that they can add with Chad as well as build on as the future continues.

Tight end is also an option but I’m not sold on Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham over Dez Bryant.

Second option: Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma

22) New England Patriots: C.J Spiller, RB Clemson

Examination: It’s amazing that Spiller would fall all the way to the Patriots at 22 but I don’t see any team dieing for a running back ahead of them and the Seahawks don’t need a running back and the 49ers could grab one later in the draft.

This would be great for New England’s offense because Spiller is an explosive running back but can also catch the ball out of the backfield and be great on special teams which will be the seal for Bill Belichick.

Second option: Jared Odrick, DT Penn State

23) Green Bay Packers: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

Examination: I think a lot of teams will be worried about Campbell’s injury history and that he’s another product of the Maryland system, however he is a great offensive tackle which will keep him in the top 25.

This is a dream come true for Green Bay because they don’t have to trade up to get an elite left tackle for the long term to protect Aaron Rogers, something that is a high importance for the Packers this off season.

Second option: Charles Brown, OT USC

24) Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Graham, DE Michigan

Examination: The winners of every draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have a chance to turn an almost elite player into a break out player, in this case a break out defensive end with Brandon Graham.

The Eagles will need to upgrade their defensive line opposite of Trent Cole and if they don’t sign Julius Peppers in free agency they will be hot for a defensive end in the draft and Brandon Graham would be an excellent selection for the Eagles.

25) Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma

Examination: The Ravens are in the same position as the Bengals are, in need of receiving options for Joe Flacco. Derrick Mason is on the fence again in terms of retirement and Todd Heap isn’t getting any younger.

With all the options of receivers on the board Gresham is the best of all them still remaining and a player who can come in right away and make an impact.

Second option: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

26) Arizona Cardinals: Charles Brown, OT USC

Examination: Well now that we all know Warner has retired to join the Jay Leno football league and that Matt Leinart will once again be given the chance to be the starting quarterback for the Cardinals in 2010.

However now that they know who the quarterback will be they will need to improve their offensive line which is really shaky with Mike Gandy giving up over nine sacks this season and having Levi Brown being at right tackle.

Brown can come right in as a rookie and start at left tackle which will be important for the Cardinals moving forward.

27) Dallas Cowboys: Maurkice Pouncey, G Florida

Examination: Here’s a player who’s stock will rise or fall depending on how the rest of the draft plays out ahead of him.

The Cowboys need help on the offensive line and Pouncey is the best offensive lineman available while bringing a lot of talent with him, he’s only a small reach.

Second option: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

28) San Diego Chargers: Jared Odrick, DE Penn State

Examination: The Chargers have two ways they could go with this pick. They could address their need a running back with LaDanian Tomlinson’s release coming soon but C.J Spiller isn’t on the board and Jahvid Best is really a home run hitting running back not a first and second down back.

So that leaves their need on the defensive line as the best option for this pick. Outside of defensive end Luis Castillo the Chargers don’t have a great defensive end threat on both sides of the line so it’s important for them to go out and select a guy like Odrick who can come in and be that guy.

Second option: Jerry Hughes, DE TCU

29) New York Jets: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

Examination: The Jets made the right decision by going with Mark Sanchez last season but now their next goal is to get him a long term wide receiver that he can build and grow with as his Jet career moves along.

The Jets acquired Braylon Edwards from the Browns for a second round pick in the 2010 Draft and now he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent if the Jets don’t resign him.

However while Edwards did help the Jets he still doesn’t have good hands and that worries a lot of people for the Jets but even if the Jets decide to resign Edwards long term they are still going to need a young productive wide receiver opposite of Edwards and Benn fits the bill.

Second option: Jerry Hughes, DE TCU

30) Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Wilson, CB Boise State

Examination: Here’s another player to watch fly up draft boards, Kyle Wilson from Boise State is probably the second best corner in the draft but because not many teams have needs for corners he’ll fall to the mid to late first round and that’s good news for the Minnesota Vikings.

Cedric Griffin is an above average corner in this leage, not the best of the best but still above average. However after his ACL surgery it’s going to take 8-10 months before he can return so not only did they need another corner opposite of Griffin but now they are most likely going to need someone to step in at the one to take his place.

Wilson is that guy who can fill in for Griffin and to a great job until he gets back. Then after Griffin is able to return Wilson just slides over to the two, opposite of Griffin and continue.

It’s a win-win for the Vikings.

31) Indianapolis Colts: Bryan Bulaga, OT Iowa

Examination: The Colts don’t have that many big needs, their biggest need is signing Manning which shouldn’t be too hard. Who knows maybe he’ll take a page from Seattle Mariners ace lefty Cliff Lee “I want a ten year deal for about $200 billion, haha I don’t know”.

However after Manning the Colts do need to improve on their offensive line and especially at left and right tackle which Bulaga can play both.

So I’m sure Bill Polian will do wonders again and Bryan Bulaga will eventually be their left tackle for the long term.

32) New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB Missouri

Examination: Well the Saints won a Super Bowl, now before they can think of going back to back they first have to survive their off season which consists of over 23 total free agents.

The Saints have a solid linebacking core right now but they do need another play maker in the front seven and Weatherspoon is that play maker.

NOTE: I received a lot of comments on both of my first and second editions of my mock drafts saying I need to update my mock draft. Well here is how I do it, I don’t have one draft that I edit over and over and over because eventually it gets confusing. So now I post a new mock draft with links to my first two and as time goes on I add the rest and etc. But this is just a note to everyone that I post a new mock draft, not edit the same one over and over.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

Julius Peppers a fit in Seattle

Julius Peppers, a soon to be free agent this off season will be one of if not the most highly touted commodity when free agency officially starts on March 5th.

Today Peppers came out to the media and said he is not willing nor will he sign a long term contract with the Carolina Panthers, which all but makes him an official unrestricted free agent because he has more than six years of NFL experience.

So now starts the bevy of articles flying around about where Julius Peppers should and might sign when March 5th comes around.

The Saints, Eagles, Chiefs, Patriots and about a dozen other teams could be looking at Peppers. One of those teams that many people have been overlooking that could be a great fit for Peppers is the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks have been in a rebuilding process now heading into its second stage, but the first under new head coach Pete Carroll.

Seattle has been built up on their outstanding defense that flat out underperformed the last few years, and basically tanking under Jim Mora Jr.

Now with Carroll, a defensive minded coach, in the fold the Seahawks will look to really target the trenches as a major area for improvement.

That improvement could come in the form of defensive end Julius Peppers in free agency.

Now some people may ask even with the nonexistent salary cap this off season would Seattle pay the $15 -20 million per season for Peppers?

Yes.

Over the last few seasons the Seahawks have totaled 28 sacks (2009), 35 sacks (2008), 45 sacks (2007), 41 sacks (2006) and 50 sacks in 2005 in which they led the NFL in team sack total and also went to their first Super Bowl in team history that same year.

So it shows the Seahawks defense relies on the pass rush to lead their defense and this past season under Jim Mora Jr. the Seahawks had almost no pass rush thus allowing 5,069 total yards (21st in the NFL).

So with Pete Carroll who will be looking to turn this ship around as soon as possible with the right players and the right coaches in place, Julius Peppers will definitely be a target of the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks will have defensive ends Darryl Tapp and Cory Redding being free agents this off season which would allow Peppers to come in and be the full time starter at left defensive end.

Also the Seahawks need to push heavy to sign Peppers because the status of former Pro Bowl defensive end Patrick Kerney is currently in limbo and the Seahawks don’t have a presents on the defensive line so signing Peppers would not only give the Seahawks a replacement for Kerney but also bring a presents they haven’t had in a long time.

So look for the Seahawks to be included in the Julius Peppers sweepstakes when free agency rolls around.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Walter Jones’ unofficial retirement

Usually Super Bowl Sunday gets the nations attention either on the field (if you have the $800+ per ticket to fork up) or on that 1080 HD TV in the living room.

Either way you decide to watch the game about everyone in this country turns into watch the Super Bowl on Super Bowl Sunday.

Now most of the time there's not any other news that happens on Super Bowl Sunday other than on the two teams involved in the Super Bowl.

However Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle made an not so surprised announcement Sunday. He announced via Twitter that he was retiring from the game of football. Here's the two quotes from Jones' Twitter page.

"I have came to the concussion it is time for me to retire from football."
11:12 AM Feb 7th

"Sorry conclusion this phone just hep you spell to much but you understand."
12:55 PM Feb 7th

The second quote was because apparently Jones' cant' spell on Twitter but the man has worked his butt off the last 14 years so he doesn't have to spell.

If this is truly the end of Walter Jones' 13-year career then he is retiring that much quicker to be closer to the hall of fame which will be calling Walter Jones' name in 2015.

Walter Jones, a first round pick sixth overall in 1997 NFL Draft and has had one of the best careers in the NFL for an offensive tackle.

If Jones is officially retiring, which has not been confirmed by the Seahawks or Walter Jones' agent, he would be retiring with the following awards and accomplishments while only playing in a Seahawks uniform for all of his 13 year NFL career.

First team all rookie (1997)

9x Pro Bowler (99,01,02,03,04,05,06,07, 08)

6x all NFC (01-05,07)

4x First team all pro (01,04,05,07)

3x Second team all pro (02,06,08)

Listed on 2000's all decade team

Walter Jones is easily a first ballot hall of famer when his turn comes around in 2015, should this be his "official announcement" of retirement.

This past season Jones failed to record a snap because he could not recover from off season knee surgery, which could be the major reason why he would decide to call it a career.

Now the most important part of this fiasco is who will replace Jones as the cornerstone of the franchise at left tackle? Sean Locklear proved that he's not capable of being an NFL left tackle. Brandon Frye, who finished the season on IR after being a quick fill is also not the long term solution.

The Seahawks could look to free agency but with the CBA being in limbo no one knows who exactly will be restricted and unrestricted in terms of free agents. The Seahawks could also look at the draft with Russell Okung, Anthony Davis and others being available at No. 6 and No. 14 respectively.

Currently nothing is official on any Walter Jones retirement so if anyone looks into this from another site having it be breaking news that is incorrect information, nothing is official nor confirmed by any source.

I will keep tracking this for everyone and keep updates flowing if there happens to be any.

Seahawks 2009 offensive MVP: TE John Carlson

With my friend Scotty Kimberly wanting peoples opinion on the 2009 Seattle Seahawks offensive MVP I decided to give my take. I had a short list consisting of TJ Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Justin Forsett, Matt Hasselbeck and John Carlson.

In the end it came down to Forsett and Carlson with John Carlson receiving my vote as the 2009 Seattle Seahawks offensive MVP.

Now some people might question right off the bat, why John Carlson? He was irrelevant for the first eight games of the season. Well there is a reason why his stats were down for the first eight games,outside of week one and that was because due to the inconsistency of the offensive line Carlson had to stay home and be an additional blocker instead of a route running tight end like he’s built for.

Now overall when the offensive line situation was resolved with Mike Gibson at right guard and Max Unger at center Carlson was able to get back to his normal form as a pass catching tight end.

In 2009 Carlson played all 16 games while recording 51 receptions for 571 yards and seven touchdowns, a team high in 2009. Carlson average yards per catch was 11.3 with 271 yards after catch. Carlson was only targeted 83 times this season.

When you compare Carlson’s 2009 numbers to those of TJ Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson and even Deion Branch he stands out as being the best overall receiving option for Hasselbeck.

Here’s a breakdown of Carlson’s 2009 stats vs TJ, Nate and Deion

TJ Houshmandzadeh: 79 receptions, 911 yards, three touchdowns, 11.5 average, 237 yards after catch and 135 targets.TJ’s difference for targets and receptions is 56.

Nate Burleson 63 receptions, 812 yards, three touchdowns, 12.9 average, 290 yards after catch and 103 targets.Nate’s difference for targets and receptions is 40.

Deion Branch: 45 receptions, 437 yards, two touchdowns, 9.7 average, 150 yards after catch and 79 targets. Deion’s difference for targets and receptions is 34.

Now compare that to John Carlson’s numbers overall and it’s clear that Carlson is the best. Carlson’s difference between targets and receptions is 32, even lower than Deion Branch.

So with that being said my vote for the 2009 Seattle Seahawks offensive MVP goes to tight end John Carlson.

Sound off.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

Mariners, Garko agree on one year contract

Not the biggest bat available but Ryan Garko fits the Mariners perfectly. On Monday the former Indian and Giant came to an agreement with the Seattle Mariners on a one year contract worth 550,000.

Garko can earn another 525,000 in bonuses if he makes 600 plate appearances, something Garko has never done in his career.

With the addition of Garko to the Mariners roster he figures to be in competition with Casey Kotchman for the starting first baseman in 2010 as well as a platoon in LF, DH, 1B and a last ditch catcher should the M's need one, which doesn't look likely.

In a conference call with the Seattle media Monday Garko explained his reasoning for choosing Seattle.

"It's pretty obvious I'm here to help against left-handed pitching, whether as a first baseman or DH, and be around to catch if the situation comes up."

Garko is a career .278 hitter with 55 career homeruns and a .351 OBP to go along with a career .441 slugging percentage.

With the addition of Ryan Garko to the Mariners lineup, they now have created a log jam of outfield/infield talent going into spring training.

Currently on the projected bench would be Michael Saunders, Ryan Langerhans, Ken Griffey Jr. (DH), Jack Hannahan, Matt Tuiasosopo, Mike Carp, and either or Ryan Garko/Casey Kotchman, unless they decided to split time this season at first base.

The Mariners still have one or two more moves to make regarding their starting rotation with Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn still unsigned free agents.

Bedard looks to do what Ben Sheets did. Take a year off from baseball, get 100 percent healthy and then sign a $8-$10 million dollar contract in 2011.

Jarrod Washburn on the other hand has been linked in recent days to be high on the Mariners list, and Washburn would prefer to reup with Seattle considering his first half stats before being traded to Detroit last season.

He turned down a one year, $5 million dollar offer from the Minnesota Twins so it could be that he either ways $6+ million on a one year deal OR he wants to sign with Seattle for $5 million.

So the next move to watch out for is Jarrod Washburn to the Seattle Mariners.

NOTE: the Mariners designated RHP Gaby Hernandez for assignment to make room for Garko.