Free Agency Update

It's been a busy few days in the NFL, and I've been horribly distracted by what's been going on in Seattle regarding Steve Hutchinson.

Hopefully, this will be my last word on the Hutchinson subject, but if you want to hear what the $49M had to say on the subject, you can find that nugget of information here.

Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times breaks down the series of events that sent Hutchinson packing. Here's a hint: He's siding with the Seahawks in this one.

I'm officially worn out by the subject, and I'm thankful that it's over with. Seattle did their best to operate fairly, and paid the price for it. Thankfully, this allows them to turn this situation into a positive, and they beefed up the defense with the addition of Julian Peterson.

Seattle has also re-signed LB Kevin Bentley, who filled in admirably at the SLB position and played well on special teams. He's a good depth guy, as his versatility allows him to back-up all the LB spots.

Thoughts on Other Big Name Free Agents

Terrell Owens signing in Dallas certainly grabbed all the headlines, and despite his rap dissing the Eagles, I think that he'll behave himself in Big D. For one season, anyways, I expect Owens to be a model citizen and earn that $10M he's being paid. Beyond that, however, is anyone's guess.

The New England Patriots have decided that Adam Vinateiri isn't worth signing to a long-term contract. This could be the biggest mistake of the Belichek/Pioli era, as Vinateiri is one of the most clutch kickers in the history of the NFL, and it could be argued that his ice-water veins and accurate leg propelled the Patriots into the dynasty that they've become.

All Vinateiri wanted was some guaranteed money, something the Patriots were unwilling to give. And with ample cap room available, there was no reason for that. How do you replace a guy like Vinateiri, a 10-year veteran whose clutch kicks made him a hero in the eyes of normally fickle New Englanders?

With Mike Vanderjagt? Did you see his last kick? New England has also contacted former Bears K Paul Edinger, as well. These guys are not Adam Vinateiri. Not even close, in fact. It's possible that the arrogance of Bill Belichek and Scott Pioli could trick them into believing that they can get by with an inferior kicker. And after winning 3 Super Bowls by a margin of no more than a field goal, you have to question whether or not they've made the right choice.

Time will tell.

John Abraham got his wish, and he's an Atlanta Falcon. The Seahawks had a strong interest in Abraham, and had agreed to send their 1st round pick in 2006 (#31) to the Jets in exchange for the Pro Bowl DE. However, Abraham lives in South Carolina and would prefer to play for Atlanta, with whom he reached an agreement with on a long-term contract. Only problem was, the Jets held his rights and weren't inclined to accept the trade package Atlanta was offering.

Seattle never had a chance to acquire Abraham. The city, despite all it's charm and unrivaled beauty, always loses out in free agency thanks to the geography. The nearest NFL city is 800 miles away, and there really is a sense of seclusion when you're in Seattle. While I'd love to live there, most NFL players from the southeast simply do not.

While Abraham's talent is off the charts, I had my reservations about whether or not Abraham would be a good fit in Seattle. Call me crazy, but any guy who refuses to play in an NFL playoff game because he doesn't want to risk injury when he's set to become an unrestricted free agent, simply isn't worth the high price tag.

And that's exactly what Abraham did in 2003 for the Jets, who could've advanced to the AFC Championship game with Abraham on the field. He wasn't, and thanks to Herm Edwards clock management skills and Doug Briens wimpy right leg, the Jets lost to the Steelers at Heinz Field.