Expect to see more of Brian
Russell in 2009.
Those hoping 2008 was the last season as a starter for safety Brian Russell took a blow after the Miami Dolphins scooped up two of the best safeties on the market, Gibril Wilson and Yeremiah Bell.
Wilson signed for a five-year deal worth $27.5 million, while Bell re-signed for a four-year deal worth $20.
Both players had proven themselves to be strong, young starters and would have no doubt brought playmaking ability along the line of scrimmage from the safety position, which has been lacking since the departure of Ken Hamlin.
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The signings of these two players immediately weakens a free-agent safety class already lacking starting talent to begin with.
The remaining options are either players old and far past their prime or younger players who have yet to establish themselves as consistent starters.
The best player of the class still remains though in aging star Brian Dawkins. While he can still play, at 35, he would merely be a one-to-two-year fix.
Also, GM Tim Ruskell would have to be willing to cut Brian Dawkins, and he has yet to make such bold decisions during his time in Seattle.
The last intriguing prospect at safety is Sean Jones. In his first three seasons in the NFL, all with the Cleveland Browns, Jones has nine interceptions.
Jones will likely earn a contract somewhere in between what Wilson and Bell signed, which means he is probably out of Seattle's price range, considering Ruskell's proclamation not to expect Seattle to make a splash in free agency.
Look to Seattle adressing the position in the late rounds of the draft, if at all. Alas, Hawk fans are likely to see Russell and Grant lining up as starters for the third season in a row.
UPDATE: Mike Sando reports that WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh told his agent to target the Seahawks, Eagles, Vikings and Giants.
Houshmandzadeh: I'm looking at teams I think have good coaches and good offensive lines and good running games. I have no idea if those teams are interested in me.
If I can play with Adrian Peterson, can you imagine what I would do getting one-on-one coverage with Adrian Peterson? I am going to win 98.6 percent of the time with one-on-one coverage with him in the backfield.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com.
