Friesz Signed, Sealed, Happy And Until Moon Shows Up At Camp, Ex-UI Star Again Seahawks’ No. 1 Qb

Quarterback John Friesz is quite likely renting Seattle’s starting job in training camp, but it’d take an extensive search to find a happier Seahawk.

Why? Because he’s still a Seahawk.

Now consider his awkward situation. He was last year’s starter, but lost the job due to injury. He re-signed during the weekend, willingly accepting a pay cut because he understood Warren Moon would be the starter. He turned down overtures from San Diego to stay in Seattle.

And now, with Moon’s contract negotiations at a stalemate, it’s peculiarly possible that the Seahawks will turn to Friesz to start again if Moon’s holdout be comes prolonged.

Pretty ironic, huh?

“I’ll tell you what I think is ironic. In one preseason publication I read, I wasn’t on Seattle’s roster. They showed me on San Diego’s,” said Friesz, the University of Idaho graduate. “That, to me, is ironic. One day I’m taking first-team reps and a week ago I wasn’t on the roster.”

Friesz carries a practical viewpoint. His professionalism and capable arm have assisted him through nine NFL seasons as a part-time starter, part-time reserve.

“I see this as an opportunity to get ready to play when my time is called,” he said. “I feel that will be at some point this year. Whether that’s early or late, I’m going to need to play.”

That possibility doesn’t concern his teammates.

“When Warren gets here, he won’t miss a beat. The fact that he was in for the minicamps means he can afford to miss a couple days,” receiver Joey Galloway said. “If it stretches any longer, who knows? Friesz and (Jon) Kitna are capable, and we as an offense feel comfortable with any of the three quarterbacks.”

Friesz agreed to a new three-year, $4.25 million deal, helping free up $1.475 million of cap money. It puts the Seahawks in a better economic position as well as satisfying Friesz.

“I think they were fair and if I happen to play and play well, then I get compensated,” Friesz said. “If I’m not going to be the starter, then I shouldn’t earn what I was earning (previously $1.9 million). I grew up watching the Seahawks and I’ve enjoyed my last few years here. I would like to stay here the next few years.

“San Diego was a distinct possibility. If it had to happen that was the place I hoped I could go, with my wife’s ties there and having played there, too. But that was a distant second to playing in Seattle.”

Moon not over Cheney

Seahawks vice president Randy Mueller said he didn’t have any discussions Monday with Moon’s agent, Leigh Steinberg.

Both sides seem to be digging in their heels.

The Seahawks are reportedly offering the 41-year-old Moon a one-year deal at $1.87 million. Moon wants three years, the first year at $5 million or more, and a $6 million signing bonus. He’s subject to $5,000 fines each day he misses practice. “We’ve shown some flexibility over the last week or so,” Mueller said. “At this point, we’re really not willing to tear down what we’ve worked so hard to build up and that’s the rest of the blocks around the team.”

Steinberg didn’t return a phone message.

Watters world

Running back Ricky Watters held an entertaining session with a pack of perhaps 25 media members following the morning practice. His first impressions of some of his teammates?

“The speed is definitely here,” Watters said. “It’s like they sped up the film out here. (Linebacker) Chad Brown, man, what is he? A defensive back? The guy is flying around like crazy.”

There is size to go with the speed. Potential, too.

“Did anyone see (guard Brian) Habib? Is he a monster? Today he had a muscle shirt on and I just grabbed him. All the guys here were great acquisitions, including myself,” Watters said, bursting into laughter.

“I love the possibilities. Potential just means that you haven’t done it yet. We have a chance to do something special.”

Notes

Defensive tackle Dan Saleaumua missed Monday practices with a sprained left knee. Saleaumua is expected to practice within the next few days. … Galloway had a good vantage point of a more hit-conscious first practice than previous years. “I didn’t do any hitting, that’s the best thing about playing receiver,” he said. “It’s a little different hearing the popping of the pads of the big guys going at it. They’re here to hit. I’m here to watch them hit.” … First-day attendance was 1,300, according to Seahawks officials.

TODAY’S CAMP The Seahawks will practice in the morning starting at 8:45 and again in the afternoon starting at 2:45. Note: All single-day practices will be held in the afternoon. Correction: Parking is available in the large parking lot west of Woodward Stadium, but not in the two lower lots to the east and south of the stadium identified in a map in Sunday’s paper as public parking.