Veteran guard Mike Wahle to meet with Hawks

Mike Wahle, a one-time Pro Bowl left guard, was on his way to Seattle on Tuesday to meet with the Seahawks today, the team confirmed.

Wahle, 30, was one of two former starters released by the Carolina Panthers in a cost-cutting move Monday after three seasons there. He's a 10-year NFL veteran who was originally selected in the second round of the supplemental draft in 1998 by the Green Bay Packers.

The NFL free-agency period won't start until next month, but Wahle can talk to the Seahawks now because he was released and does not have a contract that is expiring. The 6-foot-6, 304-pound lineman could address the Seahawks' need to make improvements on their offensive line, particularly in run blocking.

Second-year pro Rob Sims started every game of the 2007 season at left guard and struggled at times. In the second half of the season, Sims was replaced by veteran Floyd Womack during games.

The Seahawks have yet to find a satisfiable replacement for Steve Hutchinson, who left in free agency for the Minnesota Vikings before the 2006 season. Wahle, who was born in Portland and went to high school in Southern California, has missed just three regular-season games in his entire career.

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