Field Gulls - NFL Free Agency 2015: Tracking notable signings, cuts, and tradesThe stupidest name in smart football analysis.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50215/fieldgulls-fav.png2015-04-03T11:21:09-07:00http://www.fieldgulls.com/rss/stream/79269822015-04-03T11:21:09-07:002015-04-03T11:21:09-07:00Steve Schilling retires<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawk-center-steve-schilling-retires-and-a-few-other-notes/">Steve Schilling&nbsp;retires</a></h3>
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https://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/4/3/8341035/steve-schilling-retiresDanny Kelly2015-04-01T12:43:45-07:002015-04-01T12:43:45-07:00Will Tukuafu re-signs with the Seahawks
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Free agent fullback Will Tukuafu has posted a picture on Instagram that indicates he's re-signed with the Seahawks for the 2015 season.</p>
<p>Update: This transaction showed up on the NFL's report today, so it is official.</p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a target="_top" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" href="https://instagram.com/p/08LYSUgm5p/">#letswork #gratefultothe #bigmanupstairs #blessed #the12sAreREAL #seahawksbaby</a></p>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Will (@willtukuafu) on <time datetime="2015-04-01T17:13:23+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 1, 2015 at 10:13am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Tukuafu was signed by the Seahawks in late October to replace Derrick Coleman, who broke his foot in warmups at St. Louis. The 6'4, 280 pound former Oregon Duck had been released earlier in the year by the Niners, and had worked to catch on with a new team. The Seahawks were the team that actually drafted him originally, to play defensive line. And, his two-way talents make him a rather unique fullback. He was used in certain spots by Dan Quinn on the defensive line and to my eye played well in that rotational role, so his two-way versatility and special teams acumen makes him a nice veteran addition for the team.</p>
<p>He'll likely have to battle Coleman, who returns this year, for a spot on the roster -- Coleman is another strong special teams standout and has a very different type of skillset than Tukuafu -- but the Seahawks seemed to like what the big man brought to the table in run blocking and in spot duty on defense, so it will be interesting.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/4/1/8327113/will-tukuafu-seahawks-re-signedDanny Kelly2015-03-30T14:35:08-07:002015-03-30T14:35:08-07:00Miles Austin agrees to one-year contract with Eagles<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000482459/article/miles-austin-expected-to-sign-with-philadelphia-eagles?campaign=twitter_atn">Miles Austin agrees to one-year contract with&nbsp;Eagles</a></h3>
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https://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/3/30/8315311/miles-austin-agrees-to-one-year-contract-with-eaglesDanny Kelly2015-03-30T11:16:55-07:002015-03-30T11:16:55-07:00Seahawks hosting center Chris Myers
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<figcaption>Scott Halleran/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Seahawks will host veteran free agent center Chris Myers for a visit Monday, according to multiple reports. Myers, 33, is a two-time Pro Bowl center that's played for the Broncos and Texans in his ten-year career. He's an NFL iron man -- he started all 112 games during his Houston tenure and is the NFL's current leader for active streak of consecutive games played in by an offensive lineman, with 153 straight games.</p>
<p>Myers was to make $6 million this year in the final season of a four-year contract, but was released by the Texans in a cap-saving move. Obviously, having played in Houston the past seven years, the zone-blocking scheme is his wheelhouse. If Myers and the Seahawks can come to an agreement, it will give them an excellent bridge type of veteran that could enter the competition for the starting center position with the trade of Max Unger. Right now, Patrick Lewis is the presumptive starter and the Seahawks have reportedly been in talks to bring Steven Schilling back, but the position is very much up for grabs.</p>
<p>In addition to Myers, the Seahawks have reportedly been interested in free agents Stefen Wisniewski, Dan Connolly, and Shelley Smith. Smith signed in Denver, Connolly's still a free agent, and I'd guess that Wisneiwski is still very much in play as contract negotiations continue. In fact, Myers' visit might be a little bit of leverage by the Seahawks as WIs' team looks to hold out for more money.</p>
<p>According to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-biggs-bears-spt-0324-20150323-story.html">Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune</a>, Wisniewski had an unreported torn labrum (shoulder) last year and it required surgery. This has been the reason the second-best center on the market has seen a tepid response. Per Biggs:</p>
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<p>The Bears were linked to center Stefen Wisniewski at the outset of free agency and he is one of the better remaining players on the market. . . Wisniewski is recovering from shoulder surgery after last season when he played with a torn labrum. The former second-round pick of the Raiders has made visits to the Seahawks and Bucs, and the Rams and Chiefs are also known to be interested. No team has been willing to meet his request of $4 million per season and it could be he winds up on a one- or two-year prove-it contract.</p>
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<p>Stay tuned.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/3/30/8314059/seahawks-chris-myers-free-agency-nflDanny Kelly2015-03-30T09:38:32-07:002015-03-30T09:38:32-07:00Packers re-sign Letroy Guion<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/30/packers-reach-a-deal-to-keep-defensive-tackle-letroy-guion/">Packers re-sign Letroy&nbsp;Guion</a></h3>
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https://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/3/30/8313495/packers-re-sign-letroy-guionDanny Kelly2015-03-29T11:42:59-07:002015-03-29T11:42:59-07:00Seahawks re-sign Demarcus Dobbs, per his agent
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<figcaption>Brian Bahr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Seahawks have re-signed free agent defensive lineman DeMarcus Dobbs to a one-year deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/wesley_spencer/status/581604287882592256" target="_blank">according to a tweet by his agent</a>. It's another in a series of moves by the Seattle front office to bolster the depth on their defensive front, and it follows the signing of Ahtyba Rubin and the re-signing of Jesse Williams, Greg Scruggs, and D'Anthony Smith. The Seahawks' defensive line group suddenly looks pretty crowded going into the Draft, which is the type of competitive atmosphere that Pete Carroll likes to create.</p>
<p id="paragraph1">Dobbs is a 6'2, 282 pound defensive end/defensive tackle hybrid out of Georgia who was signed by the Niners in 2011 as an undrafted free agent. He played defensive end in their 3-4 a primary backup to Justin Smith's before being released from San Francisco, and even spent some time on the offensive side of the ball at tight end for them. Importantly, Dobbs is a very strong special teams contributor and I'm guessing this is a big factor in the decision to bring him back. He can play inside or outside, offers upside as an athlete, and he has a lot of playing experience.</p>
<p id="paragraph2"><a data-ref-index="6" target="_blank" href="http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article3556981.html#storylink=cpy">Prior to being released by the Niners, according to Matt Barrows</a>, Dobbs "had been Justin Smith's primary backup at right defensive end and he also had been part of the team's coverage and return units on special teams. He had played well behind Smith this year, but the team simply has more invested in (Quinton) Dial and (Tank) Carradine." The move to release him preceded Aldon Smith returning to the roster.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/3/29/8308595/seahawks-demarcus-dobbs-re-signedDanny Kelly2015-03-28T16:44:40-07:002015-03-28T16:44:40-07:00Seahawks host Letroy Guion
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<p>When John Schneider was asked about whether he sees veteran nose tackle Brandon Mebane with the team next season at the recent NFL Owners Meetings, he replied "I hope so, I hope so. We are going to continue to work through the offseason here. As of right now, yes."</p>
<p>That's a pretty tepid response for a player that is currently under contract with the team, and points to the thought that the Seahawks will ask Bane to take a paycut going into 2015. Mebane is currently slated to $5.5 million next season and count $5.7 million against the cap, and at 30 years old and coming off of a major hamstring injury, Seattle may be looking for younger, "value" players to either replace him or lean on him to accept a paycut.</p>
<p>The Seahawks <strike>will host</strike> hosted 27-year old free agent defensive lineman Letroy Guion, who recently wrapped up a legal case involving marijuana possession. Guion, 6'4, 315 pounds, started 16 games for the Packers last year on a one-year, $1 million deal and while it's been stated by the Green Bay brass that they want him back, they may have competition in Seattle.</p>
<p>Seattle recently signed free agent DT Ahtyba Rubin, and have reportedly pursued (in some capacity) C.J. Wilson, Ricky Jean-Francois, Darnell Dockett, and Chris Canty without success. John Schneider mentioned recently that they're talking to Kevin Williams about a return in 2015, and comes on the heels of Seattle's decision to re-sign Jesse Williams and D'Anthony Smith. Depth on the defensive line is looking strong in the run up to the Draft, and if Seattle makes another signing or two, it could mean the end of Brandon Mebane's time as a Hawk, potentially. Will the Hawks look to replace Banger with two or three younger, cheaper options? It's a cold thought, but it's something to watch.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/3/28/8306587/seahawks-to-host-letroy-guionDanny Kelly2015-03-26T15:50:46-07:002015-03-26T15:50:46-07:00Jonathan Martin released by 49ers<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000481701/article/jonathan-martin-released-by-san-francisco-49ers">Jonathan Martin released by&nbsp;49ers</a></h3>
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https://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/3/26/8297617/jonathan-martin-released-by-49ersDanny Kelly