Woodward, Kacyvenski returning to Hawks
Published 9:00 pm Monday, March 8, 2004
The Seattle Seahawks opened another week of free-agent shopping with a busy Monday, coming to terms with two players while hosting a third.
Defensive tackle Cedric Woodard agreed to terms on a multiyear contract Monday, and reserve linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski re-signed with the team.
Woodard reportedly will sign a five-year, $15 million deal that includes a $4 million signing bonus. The terms of Kacyvenski’s deal were not available.
Woodard, 26, started 12 games for the Seahawks last season after injuries forced him into the starting lineup.
With Woodard and rookie Rashad Moore starting at the defensive tackles over the final two months, Seattle’s run defense showed improvement and finished the season ranked 14th in the NFL.
Kacyvenski, also 26, was moved from middle to outside linebacker last season and was a key contributor on special teams.
The Seahawks also welcomed another free agent to town Monday, although cornerback Bobby Taylor did not sign a contract. Taylor, 30, took a physical and went to dinner with defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes before spending the night in Seattle. He and his agent, Jason Medlock, are expected to meet with team officials again today.
“It’s a chance to play for a legitimate contender and be reunited with Ray Rhodes,” Medlock said, referring to the fact that Rhodes coached Taylor for four seasons in Philadelphia. “And it’s a chance to play for a team that has the ability to pay him.”
The Seahawks have two cornerbacks who started most of last season in Marcus Trufant and Ken Lucas, but they are looking for a veteran to add to the rotation after losing Shawn Springs in free agency.
The 6-foot-3 Taylor was a Pro Bowler in 2002, but his play slipped last season when he missed seven games with a broken foot.
Medlock said Taylor passed a physical with the Seahawks on Monday, opening the door for possible contract negotiations today.
The Seahawks are also trying to re-sign wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who visited with the Detroit Lions last week and has received interest from Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. Middle linebacker Randall Godfrey is another priority, although he reportedly visited with the San Diego Chargers on Monday.
Seattle is awaiting word from defensive lineman Marcellus Wiley, who visited last week and is considering moving from end to tackle. Wiley has several other visits tentatively scheduled for this week.
