Hawks Notes: Williams, Peterson reunited in Seattle

KIRKLAND — Aside from the rehabilitation following arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus, things couldn't be much better for Jimmy Williams.

The Seahawks cornerback, who last week signed a one-year deal to remain with the team, is soon to be reunited with his good friend and former San Francisco 49ers teammate, linebacker Julian Peterson.

Williams and Peterson have been close since 2001, Williams' rookie year with the 49ers and Peterson's second season.

"I'm really happy," Williams said. "He got a good deal, and I'm probably more happy than he is about it. ... I feel good they [the Seahawks] wanted me back and I'll have one of my buddies there."

Williams said he tried to sell Peterson on the idea of signing with Seattle.

"I did make a call or two," he admitted.

Williams spent most of last season with the Seahawks. His one-year contract expired, making him an unrestricted free agent, but the team thought enough of him to bring him back. Williams said he hopes to be ready to practice when the Seahawks convene their first minicamp in May.

Bentley's back

Linebacker Kevin Bentley's deal with the Seahawks, to which he agreed Tuesday, is for two years and just over $1.5 million, including an unspecified signing bonus.

After testing the free-agent market with visits to the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals, Bentley decided to remain a Seahawk.

Bentley, 26, played in 15 regular-season games with three starts last season. He had 22 tackles and eight on special teams and was instrumental in the Seahawks' NFC Championship Game win over Carolina with his coverage of Panthers star receiver Steve Smith.

Used mostly in the Seahawks' nickel defense, he replaced the injured D.D. Lewis as a starting outside linebacker for two games last December and the regular-season finale.

Bentley signed a one-year, $650,000 contract with the Seahawks last offseason.

Bentley and defensive end Joe Tafoya, who has agreed to terms on a one-year deal, will become the fifth and sixth free agents to re-sign with the Seahawks. They join Shaun Alexander, Peter Warrick, Rocky Bernard and Williams.

Wallace takes visit

Seneca Wallace, the Seahawks' backup quarterback, completed a free-agent visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday.

Wallace is a restricted free agent who has been tendered a $712,000 salary for 2006. If he signs with another team, the Seahawks would receive that team's fourth-round draft pick next month.

The Seahawks might not be able to afford losing their only experienced backup signal caller, though Wallace has played only sparingly in the regular season. Although the Bucs appeared interested in him, the Seahawks might prefer to match any offer because the Seattle coaches have shown confidence in Wallace.

Tampa Bay also doesn't have the salary-cap surplus that the Seahawks currently enjoy.

Schulters visits

Safety Lance Schulters, an eight-year veteran, made a free-agent visit to the Seahawks Wednesday.

Schulters — 6 feet 2, 202 pounds and 30 years old — has played for the San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins. A Pro Bowler in 1999, he started all 16 games for Miami last season and had 76 tackles, four interceptions and two sacks.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com