Re-posting here for a free-agency open thread and with thanks to Thomas for posting a fanshot earlier -- per Schefter, "After adding QB Matt Flynn, the Seahawks have scheduled a visit Tuesday for Raiders RB Michael Bush. TE Jacob Tamme also to visit Seattle. (...) Now another source says nothing has been scheduled between Seahawks and Michael Bush, just that Seattle "very much" wants to bring him in."
Jacob Tamme is an interesting free agent - 6'3, 236 pound joker tight end that caught 67 passes and four touchdowns in ten games in 2010 after Dallas Clark went out so you know he's got some talent, with the obvious caveat being it was the Colts' offense with Peyton Manning throwing the football. From what I gather, he's got solid hands, is a capable in-line blocker, and to me he just seems like a lunch pail kind of tight end. He is a former fourth round pick out of Kentucky.
Michael Bush is a punishing 6'1, 245 pound running back that, at 27, hasn't had a big market appear for him in free agency. He likely was looking for a place where he could be featured, but may have to settle for split carries and 3rd down back duties at this point in his career. Seattle would actually be a pretty great fit for him, I would think, with his former coach Tom Cable calling the run plays. He certainly knows the zone blocking system and what Cable would expect from him, and wouldn't need to adapt his style all that much in Seattle. He would be a nice complement to Lynch and their one-two punch could theoretically wear down offenses in the third and fourth quarter as the Hawks are salting away the clock with a lead. He only has 632 career carries - which is pretty light for a fifth year guy, and has only fumbled four times so he's not known for ball-security issues.
He could be a capable replacement for an injured Marshawn Lynch and also, interestingly, a Michael Robinson. His ability to play fullback and handle goal line duties makes him an intriguing option, one I'm getting a little more excited about as I write this.
The downside is that he's 27, nearly 28, and a signing would mean the Hawks likely wouldn't draft a running back this year, and he would cost more in cap than a pick. Still, I like the prospect of Bush, especially considering the Seahawks continued slow-play on all their free agent options and his diminished cost.
Other notable developments:
- The Broncos have reportedly won the Peyton Manning sweepstakes and ESPN is reporting that they will now try to deal Tim Tebow.
- Mike Tolbert has signed a four-year deal with Carolina which begs the question as to what they plan to do with Northwest native Jonathan Stewart. J-Stew is in the final year of his rookie deal and will now have to fight for carries with DeAngelo Williams and even potentially Mike Goodson, and though the Charlotte Observer reports that sources within the organization say it's highly unlikely he'll be dealt, I certainly wouldn't be against the Seahawks inquiring.
On the other hand though, ESPN's Pat Yasinskas disagrees with the sources' information: "Williams and Stewart both were first-round picks by the Panthers and are highly regarded by the team. But it's pretty obvious the Panthers just sent a message that either one could be available and other teams are going to start calling to inquire about trades."
Stewart is 24, has low miles on the tires, and is a very solid and versatile running back. The sticking point is that he's in the final year of his contract so the priority would be to re-sign him, but it's also likely to diminish his value to the Panthers. The Seahawks have a precedent of going for players like Stew - they made draft day trades for Lendale White and Leon Washington, two guys that were both in nearing free agency - White was to be a restricted free agent and I believe that Washington was entering the final year of his deal as well. And obviously, the Hawks picked up Lynch when he was entering his contract year, so I wouldn't put it past the Hawks to go this route again if they don't like any of the running backs in the Draft or free agency and Michael Bush don't work out....
- Per Kevin Acee, Mike Tolbert got $2.7 million guaranteed from Panthers. The $8.4 million total possible value over four years was aboutt $1 million less than Chargers offered.
- In other news, the Seahawks released Jarriel King after he was arrested recently on sexual assault charges.
- The Patriots signed Robert Gallery.
- UPDATE: TE Visanthe Shiancoe visited the Seahawks today as well.
We'll try to keep this story updated throughout the day as more free agency news hits.
Oh, and also this:
You have to admit though. Right now JS and Petey Pete are Methodical with this free agency business.
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@Dbfresh_89) March 19, 2012