Seahawks: LT Walter Jones agrees to seven-year deal

[The Lung]

From Yahoo!/Fanball:

Seahawks: Jones agrees seven-year deal

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Wednesday, February 16, 2005

News
Seahawks' left tackle Walter Jones has agreed to a seven-year contract, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. Jones had been the Seahawks' franchise player for the past three seasons. Now that Jones is under contract, team officials are free to use the franchise tag on free agent quarterback Matt Hasselbeck or running back Shaun Alexander.

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Does this mean Jones will actually report for training camp? He's become somewhat famous for holding out during training camp and keeping in shape by pushing automobiles around his property. Either way, this is a significant signing for the Hawks, as they now have a chance to keep both Hasselbeck and Alexander. Hasselbeck has stated several times that he wants to stay in Seattle, so don't be surprised if he inks a new contract and leaves the franchise tag for Alexander.

Woo-hoo! Can't wait to draft Koren Robinson now!

[Dr. Duran Duran]

Wow, Jones finally agreed to a long contract. Well, at least we know the Hawks can use the franchise tag elsewhere. I imagine they'll use it on Shaun Alexander, but in any case, they should be able to find a way to keep both Hass and Shaun. Thanks for the update, Lung.

[OwenTheBlonde]

So now Alexander will get tagged so his odds of staying in Seattle go up dramatically.

[maddog60]

I still doubt they resign Alexander.

They still have to resign 3 more members of that starting offensive line, or replace them.
Okeafor, Lucas, and Huff (all starters on defense).
Sign Hasselbeck.

And then you're going to tell me they can afford to franchise tag Alexander when they clearly need to upgrade on defense? No way. Though Walter Jones signing a long term deal is a good thing for them,..

[eaglesrule]

i would think keeping hasselbeck would be the offensive priority.

[Dr. Duran Duran]

I can make a strong case for Alexander as one of the NFL's top three RB's and you're telling me he's not a priority?

[SwiperNoSwiping]

That is a great signing.

Funny I was expecting a "Pace-like" hold out before training camp started. Kinda funny how Pace does that every year. And every year they tag him.

They may now be in a place to tag Alexander. I think he is a bigger piece to keep than Hasselbeck at this point. They still have a lot to sign, and will lose some on the line I bet, but at least they keep the anchor.

[Canadian Seahawk]

guys...whats easier to find a Qb who knows the system or a RB.

I rest my case.

bye bye Alexander and don't forget to take the knife out on your way out...





Anyhow, we just signed our BEST player

[disgruntledjetsfan]

I dont think Alexander really wants to stay in Seattle, and I don't think the organization has a player with that attitude at the top of their must sign list. They can easily find another RB with the depth of the rb FAs this year.

[Dr. Duran Duran]

I dont think Alexander really wants to stay in Seattle, and I don't think the organization has a player with that attitude at the top of their must sign list. They can easily find another RB with the depth of the rb FAs this year.

I guess I can relate to how Hawks fans feel about Shaun. There are quite a few Colts fans that feel the same way about Edgerrin in Indy. Nonetheless, say the Hawks don't sign Shaun...do you Hawks fans feel Maurice Morris is capable, is free agency your best bet or do you look to the draft to find the next cog in the machine?