Gelbaugh Will Stick Around As Third-String Qb, Tells Raiders No

Quarterback Stan Gelbaugh had a tough choice.

He likes being the third-string quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks. Over the past few months, though, he’s been pursued by former Seahawks offensive coordinator Larry Kennan, who is reviving the vertical stretch offense with the Oakland Raiders.

Apparently, Gelbaugh’s loyalty to the Seahawks outweighs the temptation of joining the Raiders. Before training camp, Gelbaugh plans to accept the Seahawks’ one-year, $275,000 offer.

“It was a hard decision for me because of my relationship with Larry,” Gelbaugh said. “The Raiders’ third quarterback has been able to play in the last two years. They are trying to retire Vince Evans, and now they may not. But it’s hard for me to say no to Larry. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever played for.”

Gelbaugh was the quarterback and most valuable player for Kennan when they won the World League of American Football with the London Monarchs.

“Basically, the move to the Raiders would have been a lateral move,” Gelbaugh said. “The money was the same. Basically, I decided to stay here where I’ve been for the past four years.”

Wooing Tuten

The Seahawks will find out by next week whether they will have to replace unsigned punter Rick Tuten, who is being pursued by three other teams, including the Raiders.

“The issue is not where Rick ranks among punters,” said Tuten’s agent, Rick Schaeffer. “Everyone has the opinion he’s the best punter in football. He’s led the league the last four years in number of punts, gross average and net average. He’s No. 2 inside the 20.”

The Seahawks have offered a contract worth around $750,000 a year, but other teams have offered more in signing bonus money.

Line ‘em up

First-round draft choice Pete Kendall moved immediately into the starting lineup at left guard as the Seahawks opened spring mini-camp. Kevin Mawae was at center and Derrick Graham was at right guard.

“I was a little surprised it came so quick,” Kendall said. “I think if you draft someone as high as they drafted me, there’s a reasonable expectation that it might happen at some point.

“I’m not going to the Pro Bowl right now,” Kendall said. “I’ve got a long way to go.”

No thanks

Despite having some interest, the Seahawks will not put in a waiver claim on Nebraska defensive tackle Christian Peters, the fifth-round choice cut by the New England Patriots because of his off-the-field problems.