The news is good this morning out of Seattle, as popular FS Ken Hamlin has been cleared to resume his football career, according to Lawrence Temple, Hamlin's Houston-based agent.
This helps soften the blow of Marquand Manuel's departure via free agency. Manuel replaced Hamlin in the starting lineup, where his veteran leadership helped the Seahawks secondary adjust to the absence of their vocal leader.
Hamlin's return has been the subject of much speculation since he first appeared on the sidelines during the 49ers game on December 11th, and the rumors consistently stated that Hamlin was expected to make a full recovery, and be back on the field in 2006.
The statement released yesterday to the Seattle Post Intelligencer confirms this.
Still, there is a hole in the secondary left by Marquand Manuel, an intelligent and versatile defensive back, and the Seahawks hosted free agent FS Lance Schulters yesterday. Schulters is a steady, veteran safety, who earned Pro Bowl honors with Tennessee in 1999.
Seattle has improved it's 16th-ranked defense by adding LB Julian Peterson, who is expected to sign the 7-year/$54M contract he agreed to sometime this week.
Yesterday, the Seahawks re-signed valuable reserves DE Joe Tafoya and LB Kevin Bentley. Tafoya provided depth at the DE position, often spelling Grant Wistrom or Bryce Fisher, though his real value is on special teams. Bentley is a versatile linebacker, capable of filling in at all three positions. He also saw some time as a nickel linebacker, and played an important role in the coverage of WR Steve Smith in the NFC Championship game.
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