Seattle’s Jurevicius bolts for Browns

While Seattle Seahawks team president Tim Ruskell has talked all off-season about the importance of keeping the NFC champions together, he has continued to qualify that objective with the reality that it probably wouldn’t happen.

As of Saturday afternoon, the 2006 Seahawks lost the first piece to their 2005 championship team.

Wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, who proved to be an invaluable fill-in last year, reportedly signed a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. Jurevicius told the Associated Press that his decision came down to the fact that he grew up in Cleveland.

“This is where it all started for me,” Jurevicius told the AP.

While Jurevicius joined offensive linemen LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Shaffer as key signings for the Browns, his departure leaves Seattle looking for depth at receiver.

Jurevicius started 12 games while filling in for injured wideouts Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram last season and was Seattle’s second-leading receiver, with 55 catches. He led the team in touchdown receptions (10) and had 694 yards.

While Jackson and Engram are expected to be back next season, the Seahawks don’t have much experience behind them.

Seattle safety Marquand Manuel, who started 11 games last season, continues to be rumored to be headed to Green Bay. The NFL Network reported that Manuel signed a five-year, $10 million contract with the Packers.

Other Seahawks who might attract interest include defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, fullback Mack Strong and cornerback Andre Dyson.

Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson is also eligible to talk to other teams, but as the Seahawks’ transition player, he would return to Seattle if the team matched any offer.

Seattle was reportedly hosting free-agent cornerback Will Allen, NFL.com reported.

Allen, 27, has spent his first five seasons with the New York Giants and has only eight career interceptions.

Dolphins eye QBs

The Miami Dolphins met with quarterback Drew Brees in Birmingham, Ala., but were also considering a trade for Daunte Culpepper, said a person involved in negotiations.

The source said the Dolphins also met in South Florida with David Givens, one of the top free-agent receivers. He caught 59 passes for 738 yards and two touchdowns last year for New England.

The availability of Brees and Culpepper this year is uncertain because both are recovering from major injuries.

Vikings keep busy

Armed with plenty of space under the salary cap, the Minnesota Vikings surged into free agency.

They signed running back Chester Taylor, kicker Ryan Longwell and linebacker Ben Leber after retaining receiver Koren Robinson and safety Willie Offord – and continued to talk to other teams about trading disenfranchised quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

“We’re dealing with the other situation,” coach Brad Childress said, referring to the injured Culpepper’s recent request to be traded or released. “It will play itself out.”

Asked if there was a timetable for a deal, Childress joked, “Sometime before next season.”

Around the league

Free-agent defensive end Gerard Warren re-signed with the Denver Broncos, agreeing to a six-year deal. The Broncos also re-signed tight end/long snapper Mike Leach to a four-year contract. … The San Francisco 49ers traded leading receiver Brandon Lloyd to Washington for the Redskins’ third-round pick this year and their fourth-round selection in 2007. … Kicker Joe Nedney re-signed with the 49ers for four more years. … Former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Larry Tripplett and Redskins tight end Robert Royal signed with the Buffalo Bills. … The St. Louis Rams signed former Vikings safety Corey Chavous to a five-year contract. … Running back DeShaun Foster agreed to a three-year, $14.5 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. … The Dallas Cowboys signed former Detroit offensive lineman Kyle Kosier and re-signed lineman Andre Gurode. … The Jacksonville Jaguars signed former Vikings cornerback Brian Williams. … Fullback Mike Alstott re-signed with Tampa Bay. … Safety Marlon McCree agreed to a five-year, $16 million deal with San Diego. He had had been with the Carolina Panthers.