Professor

NFL News
Seahawks nab Pro Bowl linebacker Peterson

Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

(March 20, 2006) -- One of the busiest teams of the offseason struck again when the Seattle Seahawks reached agreement with former San Francisco linebacker Julian Peterson on a blockbuster seven-year, $54 million deal.

The deal, which the Seahawks and agent Kevin Poston spent today finalizing, includes $18.5 million worth of guarantees, including $10 million this season.

A Seahawks official confirmed the agreement in principle with the linebacker the San Francisco 49ers designated their franchise player one year ago.

Even with Peterson's mega-contract, the Seahawks still have the wherewithal to match the $49 million offer sheet Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutcinson signed with the Vikings. The Seahawks had to announce their decision by tonight at midnight ET.

And they are not done there. Still in place is a contingent deal for defensive end John Abraham, whom the Seahawks have the exclusive negotiating rights for from the New York Jets in exchange for Seattle's first-round pick.

Already this offseason, the Seahawks have re-signed NFL MVP running back Shaun Alexander and defensive tackle Rocky Bernard.

But now, the Seahawks are bolstering their defensive line, landing Peterson tonight and former Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Russell Davis over the weekend.

Peterson now is expected to start ahead of D.D. Lewis, and the Seahawks also could use him as a pass-rushing end. But the NFC champion Seahawks have options for the 28-year-old Peterson, whom the Miami Dolphins also pursued until he reached agreement with Seattle.

With Peterson off the market, former Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington now will be the most coveted defensive player available. His decision should come soon.

13MAC13

OK...Now I know why the Eagles didn't sign any "big named" talent so far...THIS IS ROBBERY!!!!!!!! Is Peterson playing WR for the Seahawks this upcoming year? Is he gonna be taking handoff's from Hasselbach? They paid him WAY TOO MUCH money. Wow! I thought that the Seahawks were a smart organization. Boy did they prove me wrong.

MickeyG

yeah this is not a good signing, he got way to much money. He will really help the team, but in like three or four years when they can't sign any free agents they will see what a big mistake they have made.

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Professor

I was shocked by the dollar amount as well. I wonder what arrington will demand.