Today, "Special Master" pulled on his star-encrusted robe and his cone-shaped hat with moons on them, and interpreted the offer sheet signed by Steve Hutchinson in a manner that can only politely be described as "defying logic".
Mike Sando has the explanation he received from NFLPA attorney Richard Berthelson.
Basically, because the offer sheet stated that Hutchinson had to be the highest paid offensive lineman at the time he signed the offer sheet, the Seahawks would be guaranteeing the full value of the contract ($49 million dollars).
This, folks, will open a Pandora's box.
Nevermind that the common interpretation was that in order to match an offer sheet, only the principal terms needed to be satisfied. The principal rules were clearly defined as being the length of contract, salaries and guaranteed money (bonuses included within the full dollar value of the contract).
What's aided this nonsense ruling was the case of Chad Morton, who signed an offer sheet from the Washington Redskins with voidable years. The New York Jets matched the offer sheet, after getting a ruling from the NFL that the voidable years were not a principal term. The issue appeared before an arbiter, and Washington, Chad Morton and the NFLPA prevailed. It should be noted that the arbiter was a Washington Redskin season-ticket holder.
Well, the league failed to protect itself from this, and unless Seattle really wants to handcuff themselves financially, Steve Hutchinson is going to be a Minnesota Viking.
What this could potentially lead to are more "poison pills" in offer sheets. Currently, Seattle has an interest in a restricted free agent WR from the Minnesota Vikings named Nate Burleson. Burleson is from Seattle (attended O'Dea High School) and it's his "fantasy" to play for his hometown Seahawks.
So what is preventing the Seattle Seahawks from offering Burleson a modest contract, but add a clause that states that Burleson is to receive a $1M bonus for every reception he achieves in home games played in a dome. Last season, Burleson had a down year, only managing 18 receptions at home. Still, under that offer sheet, Minnesota would have to pay him $18M in bonus money, which would be applied to the 2007 cap. Under such a circumstance, the Vikings wouldn't be inclined to match the offer and would accept the 3rd round compensation.
Some Internet sites are going to tell you that this is what Seattle gets for only placing the "Transition" tag on Hutchinson, or in the case of www.profootballtalk.com, for attempting to "screw" Hutchinson over by re-structuring Walter Jones' contract before going in front of an arbiter.
Those people have no idea what they're talking about.
Over the years, Seattle has been burned by placing the "Franchise" tag on players. First, there was Joey Galloway, who sat out half of the 1999 season before finally playing before forfeiting a year of NFL service. Then there was the 3-year standoff with Walter Jones, which finally ended when Seattle signed him to a long-term contract. Last year, it was Shaun Alexander.
By using the "Transition" tag, Seattle was extending an olive branch to Hutchinson by operating and negotiating in "good faith" with their All-Pro offensive lineman. According to John Clayton, Seattle offered Hutchinson a long-term contract worth $5.8M per year, which is definitely fair, market value for an interior offensive lineman.
That wasn't enough for Hutchinson, and in response to Seattle's overly fair treatment of him, he had his agent negotiate a contract with the Minnesota Vikings that Seattle couldn't possibly match without jeopardizing the long-term financial health of the team. An offer sheet that Hutchinson happily signed.
But it was Seattle and Walter Jones that were doing the "screwing". Yeah, riiiight.
What this means now is that Seattle has to move on without Hutchinson, something they're well equipped to do. Seattle used their 1st round draft pick last year on C Chris Spencer, who can play guard. Seattle also has Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, who was re-signed a year ago to start at RT, before injuring his triceps in training camp, allowing Locklear to entrench himself at that spot. Womack has played guard extensively in Seattle, and one of the top offenses in the NFL wouldn't miss a beat.
With the now $26M in free cap room, Seattle can make a serious run at improving the defensive side of the football. Seattle already has a trade in place with the New York Jets for All-Pro DE John Abraham, and now has ample funds to appease Abraham's high-priced contract demands. Seattle has also been targeting LB Julian Peterson, who is a freak of an athlete, capable of playing DE, LB and even safety.
We may never know why Steve Hutchinson chose Team Love Boat over a team smack dab in the middle of it's Super Bowl window of opportunity, but one thing is abundantly clear: It's going to be a must-see event when the Vikings visit Qwest Field in 2006. In fact, it just might be a game worth flying cross-country for.
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