KIRKLAND — The Steve Hutchinson drama completed its third day, with the Seahawks mum on their plans for the star left guard and the offer from the Minnesota Vikings that could make it difficult to keep him in Seattle.
The Seahawks on Tuesday were still studying the Vikings' offer to Hutchinson. Seattle has until Sunday to decide whether to match Minnesota's seven-year, $49 million offer sheet that includes $16 million in guaranteed money. If they don't, Hutchinson, who has signed the offer sheet, will wear purple in 2006.
Hutchinson's agent has made it tougher on the Seahawks to match the offer, according to a report on nfl.com. Citing an unnamed source who saw the offer sheet, the report said the deal includes language stipulating that Hutchinson be the highest-paid offensive lineman on his team in 2006. If he isn't, the entire $49 million contract becomes fully guaranteed.
The Seahawks are in position to match the offer, with at least $24 million in salary-cap space to sign players during the current free-agency period.
Several reports have Hutchinson's 2006 cap number at $13 million as part of the Vikings' offer, whereas Hutchinson would have counted $6.39 million against the Seahawks' cap had he signed the one-year transition tender.
Most of that $13 million would come in the form of roster bonuses that would be paid in the first year of the deal and count in figuring the cap number. The signing bonus, which is also part of the cap number, is spread out over the length of the contract.
"It's typical of what the Vikings have done," said an NFL agent who declined to be identified. "Some of their cap deals, they've had a philosophy of not wanting to spread out the [roster] bonuses."
The difficult part for the Seahawks is the reported provision that makes the entire $49 million guaranteed if Hutchinson, 28, is not the highest-paid offensive lineman.
For the Seahawks, that title belongs to left tackle Walter Jones. Tackles command bigger salaries then guards, and the Seahawks have to decide if a guard is worth such money.
No other NFL guard makes more than $5 million per year. Hutchinson's offer would earn him an average of about $7 million, while Jones makes an average of close to $7.5 million.
So were the Seahawks caught off guard by the offer? No one at team headquarters was saying anything, other than that the Seahawks are likely going to wait until the last of the seven days to decide their course of action.
The nfl.com report claimed the Seahawks are "miffed not at the contract, but at Hutchinson's actions," because they gave Hutchinson the transition tag instead of the more restrictive franchise label. The transition designation allowed him to seek a deal that would best determine his market value.
The Seahawks also didn't want to franchise Hutchinson because they didn't want him to boycott practices and training camp this spring and summer, as was the case with Jones in recent years. The Seahawks didn't want to risk waiting until the first week of the season for Hutchinson to report, and the transition tag assures that all contract business will be concluded if Hutchinson signs an offer sheet and the Seahawks match it or don't within seven days.
The Seahawks seem intent on making it clear that no matter how high the offer is or what its conditions are, they can match it. They aren't likely to re-do Jones' contract to make Hutchinson the highest-paid offensive lineman on the team, but even if Hutchinson's full contract was guaranteed, they can afford to honor it.
The team can also consider calling on a Special Master from the NFL to appeal the terms of the offer. The Special Master, acting on behalf of the league, can determine whether the offer is structured in compliance with the collective-bargaining agreement.
Davis, Abraham visit
The Seahawks had two free agents at team headquarters for visits Tuesday — defensive tackle Russell Davis and defensive end John Abraham.
Davis, who spent the past six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, arrived Monday and dined with defensive-line coach Dwaine Board. He also met coach Mike Holmgren and Tim Ruskell, Davis' agent said.
Davis, who will be 31 this month, appeared in just three games last season before a left biceps injury forced him to injured reserve. He could replace Seahawks free agent Rocky Bernard on the line rotation if Seattle doesn't re-sign Bernard.
The Seahawks and Pat Dye, Davis' agent, talked contract on Tuesday, and will likely continue discussions today. Davis seems eager to be a Seahawk. Dye said his client enjoyed the visit and no other trips are planned.
Davis is not expected to return to the Cardinals. Bernard was in Kansas City meeting with the Chiefs on Tuesday, and Kansas City seems very interested in the defensive tackle, who had 8 ˝ sacks last season.
Abraham's tour of interested NFL teams made a stop in Kirkland on Tuesday and should continue today. Abraham is the New York Jets' franchise player.
Notes
• Vikings receiver Nate Burleson, an O'Dea High School graduate, will visit the Seahawks on Thursday and Friday, his agent told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The Seahawks would lose a third-round draft pick if they sign Burleson, a restricted free agent. The Vikings could match any offer for Burleson.
• Seattle had free-agent RB Sammy Morris in town for a visit Tuesday. Morris, with six years of pro experience, rushed for 523 yards two seasons ago with the Miami Dolphins.
• Seahawks free-agent LB Kevin Bentley made a visit to the Tennessee Titans and later left to meet with the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Seattle has expressed some interest in P Jason Baker, who led the NFC in net average for the Carolina Panthers last season. No visit has been scheduled yet.
José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com
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