Vikings offer big contract to Hutchinson

The Minnesota Vikings have made their pitch for the services of Seahawks left guard Steve Hutchinson, and it's an impressive one.

The Vikings, who had Hutchinson in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for a free-agent visit Sunday, offered the three-time Pro Bowler an average of $7 million a year to sign with them, sources said.

That figure is part of a seven-year, $49 million deal that includes $16 million in guaranteed money. The offer sheet is about $610,000 higher per year than the one-year transition tender the Seahawks extended to the offensive lineman last month.

Under the rules of the NFL's transition tag, the Seahawks have the right to match any contract offer for Hutchinson from another team.

They have seven days from the time they receive the offer sheet to decide whether to match, or Hutchinson can sign the offer and become a Viking with no compensation for the Seahawks. Seattle could have franchised Hutchinson for $6.98 million and saved themselves the pressure to match an offer without compensation.

Had Hutchinson been given the franchise tag, his price tag would have also included two first-round draft picks to the Seahawks from the team that signed him. At last month's Pro Bowl, Hutchinson told The Times he wished to remain a Seahawk.

The Vikings are seeking to upgrade their offensive line and need help at guard. They have deep pockets this offseason, being well under the salary cap, and have been one of the most active NFL teams in free agency. The signing period started late Friday night.

Notes

• Cornerback Will Allen, most recently with the New York Giants, arrived for his free agent visit with the Seahawks on Sunday night and will continue it today at team headquarters.

• The Seahawks offered former WR Joe Jurevicius more money to stay in Seattle than what he got from the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. A source said Jurevicius' decision to sign with the Browns for $10 million over four years came down to his desire to play in his hometown.

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