Staying power

Shaun Alexander isn't going anywhere.

The Seahawks' MVP running back agreed to a multi-year contract Sunday, allowing the 28-year-old to remain with Seattle possibly until his playing days are over.

Alexander agreed to an eight-year, $62 million contract that includes more than $15 million in guaranteed money during the first year of the deal, sources close to Alexander said Sunday. The contract was expected to be finalized today.

The $15 million-plus includes Alexander's signing bonus, base salary and other unspecified bonuses for the 2006 season.

Alexander returned to the Seattle area from awards banquets in Atlantic City and Kansas City over the weekend and gave the go-ahead to his agents to finalize the contract terms.

Alexander's original five-year contract, signed after the Seahawks drafted him in the first round in 2000, expired after the 2004 season. He was designated the Seahawks' franchise player last offseason, but he balked at signing the one-year tender and became the subject of trade rumors.

Just before training camp last July, Alexander signed a one-year contract for $6.32 million, with the stipulation that he could not be franchised again this year. If he had not come to terms with the team before the new deadline of Wednesday night, he would have become an unrestricted free agent.

Alexander went on to win the 2005 NFL rushing title with 1,880 yards. He also set the league record for touchdowns in a season with 28, and he won both the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards.

With the Seahawks working their way to the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance, Alexander and team president Tim Ruskell agreed to table discussions on a long-term contract until after the season. But Alexander maintained that he wanted to stay in the Puget Sound, where his wife is from and the couple has started a family.

Alexander also had said he would test free agency if he did not receive a deal he felt was fair from the Seahawks, publicly asking the team to "come correct" with an offer or risk losing him to another team.

Also Sunday, the Seahawks offered one-year, $712,000 tenders to their three restricted free agents. Quarterback Seneca Wallace, kicker Josh Brown and offensive lineman Wayne Hunter can entertain offers from other teams, but the Seahawks have the right to match any offer or receive draft-pick compensation (in the round that player was drafted) if the team does not match.

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