Ruskell: Alexander, Trufant still in Seahawks’ plans

Published 5:51 pm Thursday, February 28, 2008

KIRKLAND — Seattle Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said Thursday afternoon that running back Shaun Alexander and cornerback Marcus Trufant are in the team’s plans for the 2008 season.

The same might hold true for free-agent tight end Alge Crumpler, if the price is right.

Crumpler is in town and scheduled to undergo a physical Friday morning. Ruskell said the team is interested in adding him to the mix if the finances work.

Trufant’s current franchise tender of $9.465 million will limit what the Seahawks can do in free agency. The team would like to sign Trufant to a long-term deal, but Ruskell said the sides are far apart. He added that Trufant will not be traded.

As for Alexander, Ruskell said that the team has not approached the veteran running back about restructuring his contract. Alexander is scheduled to make $4.475 million in base salary in 2008, and Ruskell said the current plan is to bring him back and let him play at that salary.

For more on the Seahawks and their plans for free agency, read Friday’s edition of The Herald.