Engram set a team record last
season with 94 receptions and also had a career-high 1,147 yards, but he is its
third-highest paid wide receiver, behind oft-injured Deion Branch ($3.5 million)
and Nate Burleson ($3.25 million).
This year, Engram will be expected to carry the bulk of the load among the receivers
because Branch, who had reconstructive knee surgery in January, will miss at least
part of the season, D.J. Hackett departed via free agency and the team has young
wideouts with very little experience.
But the Seahawks say they are not going to negotiate a new deal or an extension
for Engram, who is 35 years old.
They point out that two years ago, Engram missed nine games due to a thyroid condition,
after which they gave him a two-year contract. At the time, the Seahawks wanted
to give him only a one-year deal, but he insisted on two years, which they gave
him.
The Seahawks say they are open to negotiating with Engram once he becomes a free
agent after this season.
Engram wrote a letter to coach Mike Holmgren, leaving it on his desk before one
of the minicamp practices. Ostensibly, the letter explained why Engram felt he
needed a new deal. It is not unprecedented. The Seahawks recently tore up the
contract of middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu and gave him a new six-year, $42 million
deal. They also have had talks with Leroy Hill, who is in the final year of his
deal.
But, the Seahawks point out, Tatupu is a 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler whom
they do not want to allow to get on the open market, while Engram is in the twilight
of his career.
The Seahawks do not seem worried that Engram will fail to show up for training
camp. After all, he was at the team's mandatory three-day camp prior to the voluntary
camp.
"We need Bobby," Holmgren said. "He is one of our best offensive
players. This isn't the first time something like this has happened. There are
business decisions to be made. I hope they work it out."
NOTES, QUOTES
--RG Rob Sims had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will be out four
to six weeks. He will miss the team's next two minicamps but should be available
for training camp.
--RB T.J. Duckett, signed as a free agent in March, has relationships on the
Seahawks that makes his transition from Detroit easier. He played in Atlanta
for Jim Mora and with Omare Lowe and Patrick Kerney, and he went on a recruiting
trip to Notre Dame with Julian Peterson before both decided to attend Michigan State. "People don't think about this, but the hardest part about playing
for four teams in four years is moving every year. Having these guys here makes
it easier," Duckett said.
--OT Walter Jones, C Chris Spencer, DE Patrick Kerney, WR Deion Branch, DT Marcus Tubbs, LB Will Herring, OT Ray Willis and DT Rocky Bernard all did not participate
in the team's mini-camps because they are recovering from surgery.
--Thirty-seven-year-old guard Chris Gray said he considered retiring after last
season. But Mike Holmgren talked him out of it. Gray will finally fill in as
a backup, serving as a reserve center and reserve guard.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's like a golf ball in high grass: Lost." -- Defensive
coordinator John Marshall on the technique work that fourth-round draft pick
Red Bryant needs.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
FRANCHISE PLAYER: CB Marcus Trufant (tendered at $9.465M); signed a long-term
contract.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--TE Ben Joppru is used almost exclusively on special teams and often is hindered
by injuries. The team could take him or leave him.
--LS Jeff Robinson solidified a position that was a circus all season. However,
Robinson is going to be 38 years old. It remains to be seen if he will return.
--RB Josh Scobey signed with only a few games left in the season, broke his
leg in the team's playoff game against the Packers and is unlikely to be re-signed.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
--RB Alvin Pearman (not tendered as RFA) was one of the team's kick returners
until a knee injury in Week 4 ended his season. His return is questionable.
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