Bobby Engram drops off note seeking raise, skips Hawks practice

KIRKLAND — Bobby Engram slipped into Seahawks headquarters Tuesday morning to deliver a letter for coach Mike Holmgren.

That was the end of his business. Engram didn't stay for practice, missing a second straight day of minicamp to show his discontent over his contract, concerns he presumably outlined in the letter.

Holmgren made light of the special delivery.

"I kind of enjoy that," Holmgren kidded. "It means he graduated from college and he can type."

But there wasn't more to chuckle about. Engram is the longest-tenured Seahawks wide receiver, setting a team record with 94 receptions last season, his finest of a 12-year pro career with the Chicago Bears and Seahawks.

Engram is the third-highest paid receiver on the team behind Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. He's scheduled to make $1.7 million in base salary in 2008 in a two-year deal he signed last year.

After his career year in 2007, he's seeking a raise. The team would like to see Engram play out this season under his contract and then discuss a new deal. Messages left for Engram and his agent seeking comment were not returned.

"We need Bobby — he's one of our best offensive players," Holmgren said. "This isn't the first time something like this has happened. There are business decisions to be made. But I hope they [team executives and Engram] work it out."

Engram, 35, started 15 games last season and had 1,147 receiving yards. A steady and consistent contributor and locker room leader over much of his seven seasons in Seattle, he caught just 24 passes and was unable to play in nine games in 2006 because of a debilitating thyroid condition. His $1.4 million salary for that season was honored and he was re-signed.

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

The last Seahawk to miss voluntary practices over contract issues was former receiver Darrell Jackson, who was eventually traded.

Holmgren said he had an inkling Engram was going to skip the team's voluntary veteran camp, which began Monday and ends Thursday. Engram was on the field for the mandatory camp that ran last Friday to Sunday.

Engram is also not required to attend the team's voluntary June camp. Holmgren does expect Engram to be at the start of training camp in late July.

The Seahawks are down to one receiver with significant NFL experience in the current camp: Burleson. Branch is out with a knee injury. Holmgren said the team would consider signing a free agent receiver next month for depth, "if the right player comes up."

Sims to miss time

Seahawks right guard Rob Sims is expected to miss four to six weeks of the offseason after team physicians performed arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday.

Sims complained of soreness earlier in the offseason but practiced over the weekend. Then the decision was made to take a look inside the knee. Holmgren expects him back for training camp.

Mansfield Wrotto, a second-year player, is working with the starters in Sims' position.

Notes

• TE Jeb Putzier did not practice Tuesday because of an unspecified injury.

• C Chris Spencer is expected to be ready for training camp, Holmgren said. Spencer is coming back from offseason shoulder and thumb surgeries. Chris Gray is working at center in his place.

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