Seahawks' Bobby Engram misses voluntary workout because of contract issue

KIRKLAND — Coach Mike Holmgren hasn't opened the letter from wide receiver Bobby Engram that's sitting on his desk.

The coach and the rest of the franchise has received the message that the team's leading receiver from last season is not happy with the contract that is scheduled to pay him $1.7 million in 2008.

Engram missed the second day of the team's voluntary veteran's camp. The camp is voluntary, which means there are no fines or discipline, but it is a statement from Engram.

"He's been so good for us," Holmgren said. "And he's an emotional player, and the business side of this gets emotional at times. I've had other players do that before on the non-mandatory days, so in that respect, that's the one thing that they can — at least they perceive they can do."

Engram and his agent did not return messages today.

Engram signed a two-year contract with Seattle in 2007. He made $1.7 million last season in salary and signing bonus. His salary for this season is scheduled to be $1.7 million, which is third among the team's wide receivers.

Holmgren said he heard locker-room rumblings last weekend that Engram might not be happy and spoke to the receiver before the voluntary sessions began Monday.

"I talked to him after the camp this weekend," Holmgren said. "And he said there was a chance he wouldn't participate."

Seattle's voluntary veteran camp continues through Thursday. The minicamp in June is also voluntary. Holmgren said he expects Engram would be present for the mandatory events, which would be once training camp begins.

"He's one of our best offensive players," Holmgren said of Engram. "This isn't the first time something like this has happened. There are business decisions to be made.

"I hope they work it out."

Former Seahawks receiver Darrell Jackson did not participate in voluntary offseason workouts, the result of tension between the receiver and the franchise that led to his trade to San Francisco in 2007.

Sims has knee surgery

Seahawks right guard Rob Sims had arthroscopic surgery today on his right knee and will be off the field for up to six weeks, Holmgren said.

Sims is the third Seattle starter to have surgery in the past few weeks, following defensive tackles Rocky Bernard (foot) and Marcus Tubbs (knee). Seven Seahawks are missing this week's minicamp because of surgeries since January, including defensive end Patrick Kerney and left tackle Walter Jones, both All-Pro players who had procedures on their shoulders, plus receiver Deion Branch (knee) and center Chris Spencer (shoulder).

The Associated Press contributed to this report.