Seattle Seahawks 2008 Practice Squad

by John Morgan on Aug 31, 2008 3:55 PM PDT

Seahawks Practice Squad
S - Jamar Adams
DT - Kevin Brown
WR - Michael Bumpus
CB - Marquis Floyd
T - Samuel Gutekunst
G - Pat Murray
TE - Joe Newton
T - Kyle Williams

Mostly who I would expect, though I'm a little sad to see Kelin Johnson go. It is good news that Jamar Adams escaped the waiver wire, though that doesn't ensure he will stay a Seahawk. In that sense, the first run through waivers is overemphasized. When a team signs a player off another's practice squad, that player much immediately join their active or inactive roster. Their 53. Most teams aren't going to drop a player that's spent all camp learning their system for a green player that won't contribute right away. The exception being, of course, kickers and return men. Practice squad players are free to sign with any team throughout the season, and when injuries strike, Adams will become much more inviting. I didn't sweat Adams passing waivers, but I will be surprised if he makes it through the season without being signed.

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but...

adams hasn’t really shown anything in pre-season for teams that don’t know about him to want to pick him up. they passed on him in the draft, in free agency, and now on the waiver wire. why would someone suddenly want to pick him up? teams would pick up known commodities if injury struck, not adams. i’m pretty sure he’s safe.

by Woodinville_12thMan on Aug 31, 2008 5:20 PM PDT reply actions

In the draft he takes a pick. Signing him off Seattle's practice squad requires no compensation.

Right now, every team must assume they’re contenders and will sign players they think will help them this season. As the season progresses and reality and injuries catch up, teams will begin looking for free talent to bolster their roster long term. These proven commodities you speak of don’t exist. There’s just not good, proven players floating around. Teams will look at Adams as a cheap player that might not help them this season but could develop into a starting safety eventually. That’s especially attractive to teams that are out of contention by the middle of the season, of which there’ll be plenty.

You say that Adams hasn’t shown much. I don’t know what that’s based on, because he’s looked good every time I’ve watched him. Regardless, teams have scouts or can contact scouts who have studied Adams and know his potential. What can look like nothing could be excellent cover play. I do not know that Adams will sign with another team, but I do know that passing waivers is only a small step to Seattle retaining him.

by John Morgan on Aug 31, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions

not really sure how practice squads works...

I’m hoping someone can help me understand this, because I’ve read lots of conflicting info re: practice squad players. Mike Sando recently wrote a great article on practice squad eligibility, but what happens if another team tries to sign a practice squad player? Do the Hawks have a chance to match the offer in terms of pay? Do practice squad players count towards the cap? I think a development player like Adams would be well served staying in the org, especially with players like Russell and CJ ahead of him. He’ll have a good shot to make the roster next year, or possibly get called up this year if there’s an injury. I think he has a lot of potential and would hate to see him leave. That being said, itd be tough for him to turn down a starting gig somewhere else. Grateful for any analysis anyone can provide.

by d.alexander on Aug 31, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Practice squad guys are techically free agents allowed to practice with the team

• Pay: Practice-squad players get a minimum of $4,700 a week, and almost all are paid the minimum. If they are signed to the active roster, they are paid on a pro-rated basis at the minimum salary level of $230,000 a year. One week’s pay is $13,529, based on a 17-week work schedule.

Practice-squad players are considered free agents and can be signed by any team at any time.

• Practice squad rules: Teams can have a maximum of eight players on the practice squad. The limit was increased by three in 2004. Players credited with two or more NFL seasons are ineligible. There is no restriction for age or last season in college.

• Benefits: Practice-squad players aren’t eligible for pension credits, 401(k) participation and other benefits included under the collective bargaining agreement. They are covered by the master health and medical plan.

• Practice availability: The benefit to a team signing a player to the practice squad is that he can practice with the team. A veteran who is not under contract can’t.

by phil26687 on Aug 31, 2008 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions