Update: It is now being reported by Adam Schefter that Lofa Tatupu has been released by the Seahawks.
It's official: Seahawks and LB Lofa Tatupu decided to mutually part ways. He will be released and will be looking for work elsewhere.less than a minute ago via UberSocial for BlackBerry 
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Adam Schefter
AdamSchefter
The Seahawks approached Lofa Tatupu yesterday and asked him to restructure his contract to take a pay cut, and it's now being reported that he has declined. He has now asked the Seahawks to release him, per Adam Schefter.
As Schefter noted, "After Seahawks asked LB Lofa Tatupu to take a paycut, he asked them to release him. The team now plans to do so, albeit reluctantly."
These developments come on the heels of rumors that the Seahawks were/are in the market for a free agent linebacker. Takeo Spikes had been one potential target, and there were rumors the Hawks were also in pursuit of free agents Ben Leber, Travis LaBoy, Nick Barnett, and Zac Diles.
It's possible that Tats now sees the writing on the wall that even if he does restructure, his days holding down the starting MLB position are numbered. It's unclear how long he'd be able to play effectively, but after two arthroscopic knee surgeries this past offseason, the Hawks aren't going to be banking on Lofa staying healthy.
Tatupu, 28, may be able to fetch a late round draft pick in a trade and I presume that's why the move hasn't been made official. The Hawks may be looking to make a trade this morning but it seems unlikely they'll find a partner in that venture. This news, though nothing is official at the moment, hurts as a fan. Tatupu has been a favorite of mine for years and was one of the key players on the defense during the Seahawks great run to the Super Bowl. lf he does end up leaving, well, I'll miss him.
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