Saleaumua Signed To 3-Year Contract
After several years of fruitlessly trying to block Dan Saleaumua, the Seattle Seahawks decided to let other teams give it a try.
Seattle signed Saleaumua on Monday, a move that added to an impressive list of defensive tackles and prompted the Seahawks’ accounting office into more creative financing.
Saleaumua, released by the Kansas City Chiefs a week ago, could earn up to $4.8 million with incentives over three years. Seahawks vice president Randy Mueller said the figures are more in the $4.0 million to $4.3 million range.
In landing Saleaumua, the Seahawks will have to restructure the contracts of one or more other players to stay within salary cap restrictions. Also, somebody will have to be released to make room for Saleaumua.
Mueller already has been in the restructuring mode as the Seahawks try to finalize a deal with first-round draft pick Walter Jones.
The 6-foot, 315-pound Saleaumua must take a physical today and he’s expected to be in Cheney for the 3 p.m. practice.
“I know we haven’t blocked him in two years,” coach Dennis Erickson said before the signing became official. “He’s an outstanding football player.”
Saleaumua went to the Pro Bowl following the 1995 season when he had 67 tackles and seven sacks. He’s entering his 11th year in the NFL.
The Arizona State product joins six-time Pro Bowler Cortez Kennedy and Sam Adams, who has been a standout at training camp.
“It’s a luxury, but it’s a luxury where we felt we needed one,” Mueller said. “You don’t get a chance to get a Dan Saleaumua often. When the chance comes you need to make room some how, some way.”
The Chiefs, squeezed by the salary cap, apparently were trying to resign Saleaumua, as were several other teams, Mueller said.
Asked if Seattle had any more moves in the offing, Mueller said, “I think this pretty much sets us. For now, anyway.”
Walking wounded
The number of Seahawks watching practice grew Monday. Among the more prominent spectators were: Receiver Brian Blades, running back Chris Warren, offensive lineman James Atkins and defensive end Michael Sinclair. None of the injuries are considered too serious.
Offensive right tackle Howard Ballard returned after missing several practices due to a sore knee. He probably will play Saturday against San Francisco, Erickson said.
Camp sights
Kennedy made a tremendous play when he stuff-blocked a John Friesz pass and hauled in the deflection… . The Seahawks practice at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. today… Rookie cornerback Shawn Springs, who ended his holdout on Monday, made one of his more impressive moves after practice. Springs, the last to leave the practice field, was sprinting toward the locker room when he stopped to sign some more autographs.
, DataTimes