Notebook | Seahawks first-round pick signs contract

KIRKLAND — Lawrence Jackson needed to upgrade his car.

He was driving a 12-year-old beater with a trunk that wouldn't close and a broken seat belt. So Seattle's first-round pick went and got the car he always wanted: a Cadillac Escalade.

Now Jackson has the money to pay for it after he signed a five-year contract Friday and reported in time for the start of training camp. The contract totals $11.25 million, and Jackson is assured $6.1 million.

"It's a great feeling coming in this morning and being able to sign the contract and come out here with my teammates," Jackson said. "I'm thankful we were able to come to a compromise."

Jackson is from USC and will compete with Darryl Tapp for starting right defensive end. He is 6 feet 4, 271 pounds, and is versatile enough that he may slide inside to play some defensive tackle in passing situations.

Jackson is the first Seahawks first-rounder since 2003 to sign in time for the first practice of training camp. Cornerback Marcus Trufant also signed in time.

Jackson's signing leaves tight end John Carlson as the only unsigned draft pick. Carlson is a second-round pick from Notre Dame, chosen with the 38th overall pick.

The Seahawks released Mike Green to make room for Jackson on the 80-man roster. The Seahawks traded for Green in 2006, but he injured his foot in an exhibition game and was unable to play. He returned last season, playing as a backup safety and on special teams. He underwent three surgeries this offseason and was released.

Punt returns still a kick

Wide receiver Nate Burleson is the Seahawks' starting split end, but that doesn't necessarily mean he won't be returning punts. He was one of three players fielding punts on the first day of practice, along with Bobby Engram and Seneca Wallace.

"I'm open and willing to try and juggle both returns and being the starting receiver," Burleson said.

He was certainly a boost for Seattle's special teams. In two seasons with the Seahawks, Burleson returned two punts for touchdowns and if he had his preference, he wouldn't relinquish that position just yet.

"For one, it's just such an adrenaline rush," Burleson said. "It's a big part of a game. It's such a great momentum swing. And two, it was a big part of me getting my confidence back when I switched teams, coming in here to Seattle, struggling with my thumb and the confidence issues. That was one thing that helped me find myself a little bit, find an identity on this team."

Notes

• LB Lofa Tatupu has served the one-day jail sentence resulting from his guilty plea on a DUI charge. He again apologized and expressed remorse for the incident when answering questions following the afternoon practice.

• WR Deion Branch is on the physically unable to perform list and is ineligible to practice until he passes a physical. His rehab Friday included agility drills, and coach Mike Holmgren said the hope is Branch will be ready for the regular-season opener.

• DT Marcus Tubbs and P Ryan Plackemeier are also on the physically unable to perform list. Tubbs is recovering from knee surgery; Plackemeier had surgery on a pectoral muscle and may be out another week or two.

• LB Will Herring is on a list for players with non-football injuries. He is undergoing evaluation and testing to determine the cause of recurring joint inflammation.

• DT Kevin Brown and FB Dan Curran were released from Seattle's 80-man roster, and WR Bryan Gilmore was added. The Seahawks will have to release one more player once Carlson signs.