Seahawks
Bannister drawing other teams' interest

By José Miguel Romero
Seattle Times staff reporter

	Alex Bannister
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Rarely does a restricted free agent leave his team, but Alex Bannister could end up drawing a higher contract offer from the Seahawks if they wish to keep him.

It seems Bannister's 2003 Pro Bowl season — his trip to Hawaii earned by his special-teams play — has piqued other teams' interest in the fourth-year wide receiver.

Bannister caught only three passes in 2003 (one for his first career touchdown) and has just seven total receptions in his career. He has been used as a fourth wide receiver in the Seahawks' offense, and his agent, Tim McGee, is looking for teams that will give Bannister a larger role on offense.

Bannister left Buffalo on Thursday night after spending two days meeting with Bills coaches and executives, and visits with other teams next week are in the works.

McGee did not identify those teams, though the Baltimore Ravens, a team in search of help at wide receiver, are believed to be interested.

However, Bannister's designation as a restricted free agent gives the Seahawks the right to match any offer sheet from another team within a week of that offer being made. It also would cost a team that signs Bannister a fifth-round draft choice.

Bannister, who has until April 17 to negotiate with other teams, has been offered by the Seahawks the lower tender for restricted free agents, $628,000.

"We're not looking for a situation where he is just a special-teams player," McGee said of Bannister. "I would not set him up on a visit if there wasn't serious interest."

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company