As the first week of NFL free agency winds down, the Seattle Seahawks have seen far more comings than goings.
Defensive end Chike Okeafor became the latest, agreeing to a long-term deal with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.
Since locking up quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, left tackle Walter Jones and running back Shaun Alexander in the days leading up to the free-agent signing period, the Seahawks have lost two free agents (cornerback Ken Lucas to the Carolina Panthers and Okeafor to the Cardinals), traded backup quarterback Trent Dilfer to Cleveland and released linebacker Anthony Simmons.
Okeafor has led the Seahawks in sacks over the past two seasons, with a combined 16.5. The Seahawks made an effort to re-sign him, but lost out to a division rival that has been busy over the past two weeks.
The big question for the Seahawks now is: where to turn? Potential replacements for both Lucas and Okeafor are scheduled to visit. Running back Anthony Thomas (Chicago) and fullback Fred McCrary (San Diego) are also scheduled to visit Seattle. Middle linebacker Edgerton Hartwell of the Baltimore Ravens could also meet with Seahawks officials this week.
Cornerback Andre Dyson (Tennessee) was in town Monday and today and is being courted as a possible replacement for Lucas. The 25-year-old had a career-high six interceptions last season.
Former St. Louis Rams defensive end Bryce Fisher is expected to be in town today and Wednesday. The Renton native had a career-high 8.5 sacks in 2004.
Now the Seahawks’ key free agents include tight end Itula Mili and offensive linemen Robbie Tobeck, Chris Gray and Floyd Womack. Mili has met with several teams, including the Cardinals.
Notes: Alexander does not plan on signing the one-year, $6.3 million tender that comes with his franchise tag. The Seahawks have until Monday to negotiate a contract, then will not be able to open discussions again until July 15 or risk losing their franchise tag for the following season. Alexander is likely to follow the footsteps of Jones and skip summer minicamps and, possibly, training camp. … The Dilfer trade became official Monday, when he passed a physical and became a Cleveland Brown in exchange for a fourth-round pick. The Browns, which plan on making Dilfer their starting quarterback in 2005, will introduce him at a press conference this afternoon.
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