Seahawks Release Warren For Reasons Of Economy

Chris Warren, a three-time Pro Bowler and Seattle’s all-time rushing leader, was released Friday because he couldn’t fit economically on the same team with Ricky Watters.

The Seahawks attempted to trade Warren after signing Watters as a free agent last week, but they couldn’t make a deal.

Randy Mueller, the Seahawks’ vice president of football operations, said Warren, 30, requested his release and the team granted it.

“We didn’t want to hold him hostage and keep him from moving to the next thing in his career,” Mueller said.

Dallas, Kansas City and Miami talked to the Seahawks about acquiring Warren, Mueller said. Warren may be leaning toward Dallas and joining Clarence Shelmon, his running backs coach for six seasons in Seattle. Shelmon now is on the Cowboys’ staff.

In eight seasons, Warren rushed for 6,706 yards, breaking Curt Warner’s team record of 6,705 on last season’s final play.

Hugh Douglas, the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year in 1995, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles by the New York Jets for second- and fifth-round draft choices.

Running back Dave Meggett of the New England Patriots and defensive lineman Steve Brannon had their sexual assault cases put off until May 4.