Seahawks' transition tag goes to Hutchinson
The NFC champion Seattle Seahawks designated All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson as the team's transition player Thursday after the sides were unable to reach a long-term contract.
Hutchinson will receive a one-year contract for the average salary of the top-10 offensive linemen from the 2005 season, $6.39 million. Hutchinson can receive offers from other teams once free agency begins March 3, but Seattle has the right of first refusal on any offers.
Seattle has until March 17 to reach a long-term contract with Hutchinson, or must wait until July to begin negotiations again. Calls to Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, were not immediately returned.
This season, Hutchinson and tackle Walter Jones led a Seahawks rushing attack that was second in the league in total offense and third in rushing offense, blocking for NFL rushing leader Shaun Alexander.
Buffalo: Offensive lineman Mike Williams was released, ending a four-year tenure for the former No. 4 draft pick. The move allows the Bills to save more than $3 million in salary cap space for next season.
Carolina: The Panthers protected running back DeShaun Foster from free agency by naming him their transition player. Foster is now guaranteed $5.13 million next season if he doesn't sign a long-term contract.
Minnesota: The Vikings named cornerback Brian Williams their transition player. By league rules, the club must tender Williams a one-year qualifying offer at the average of the 10 highest-paid players at his position or 120% of his 2005 salary -- whichever is greater. The figure for a cornerback this season is $4.774 million.
Oakland: The Raiders declined to use the franchise tag on cornerback Charles Woodson (Michigan) for a third straight season, making the Heisman Trophy winner an unrestricted free agent next month.
San Francisco: The 49ers decided to let Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson (MSU) become an unrestricted free agent by not making him their franchise player. The 49ers also released ex-Lions receiver Johnnie Morton.
Hutchinson will receive a one-year contract for the average salary of the top-10 offensive linemen from the 2005 season, $6.39 million. Hutchinson can receive offers from other teams once free agency begins March 3, but Seattle has the right of first refusal on any offers.
Seattle has until March 17 to reach a long-term contract with Hutchinson, or must wait until July to begin negotiations again. Calls to Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, were not immediately returned.
This season, Hutchinson and tackle Walter Jones led a Seahawks rushing attack that was second in the league in total offense and third in rushing offense, blocking for NFL rushing leader Shaun Alexander.
Buffalo: Offensive lineman Mike Williams was released, ending a four-year tenure for the former No. 4 draft pick. The move allows the Bills to save more than $3 million in salary cap space for next season.
Carolina: The Panthers protected running back DeShaun Foster from free agency by naming him their transition player. Foster is now guaranteed $5.13 million next season if he doesn't sign a long-term contract.
Minnesota: The Vikings named cornerback Brian Williams their transition player. By league rules, the club must tender Williams a one-year qualifying offer at the average of the 10 highest-paid players at his position or 120% of his 2005 salary -- whichever is greater. The figure for a cornerback this season is $4.774 million.
Oakland: The Raiders declined to use the franchise tag on cornerback Charles Woodson (Michigan) for a third straight season, making the Heisman Trophy winner an unrestricted free agent next month.
San Francisco: The 49ers decided to let Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson (MSU) become an unrestricted free agent by not making him their franchise player. The 49ers also released ex-Lions receiver Johnnie Morton.
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