Wahle was selected in the second
round of the 1998 supplemental draft out of Navy by the Green Bay Packers, in
Mike Holmgren's last year with the team. Though he only saw action in one game
in his rookie season, Wahle bounced between left tackle, left guard and right
tackle in his next two seasons with the Packers.
2001 began a string of five
straight seasons in which he started every game at left guard, both with the
Packers and with the Panthers, after Carolina signed him to a five-year, $27
million contract in March of 2005. Wahle missed three games in 2006 with a shoulder
injury, but started all 16 games for Carolina in 2007. The Panthers released
him, along with veteran linebacker Dan Morgan, in order to free up approximately
$6 million in salary cap space for a team that needs a great deal of rebuilding.
The 30-year-old Wahle could
be a great fit in Seattle, He's familiar with the Green Bay style of blocking,
won't cost an arm and a leg at this point in his career, and would be an excellent
stopgap as a starter for two or three seasons while the Seahawks build their
line back up from the problematic unit it's been for the last two seasons.
The 6-6, 304-pound guard
is versatile, tough, durable and smart. He can instill consistency and add crucial
veteran presence. His insertion at left guard would take pressure off Rob Sims
and give Walter Jones the linemate he deserves. The Seahawks should do whatever
they need to do within reason to take advantage of this personnel opportunity.
Stay tuned for updates as
they happen!