Center Kris O'Dowd Signs With Seahawks, Former College Coaches

The Seattle Seahawks signed free agent Kris O'Dowd on Thursday, filling in the team's lack of depth at the center position. With backup center John Moffitt out with an elbow injury and fellow backup Lemuel Jeanpierre suffering with a groin injury, the signing of O'Dowd came as necessity.

He will be an emergency third-stringer behind starter Max Unger. Guard Rishaw Johnson will back up Unger at center, according to Curtis Crabtree, who also reported O'Dowd won't suit up until gameday.

A former USC Trojan, O'Dowd is familiar with Seattle head coach Pete Carroll as well as assistant offensive line coach Pat Ruel, according to The News Tribune. In Los Angeles, O'Dowd started in games in all four of his collegiate seasons.

"He's worked with Pat Ruel for a long time," Carroll told the newspaper. "So Pat will be able to communicate more quickly I think than maybe another guy, so the familiarity will help us in that regard. Those guys were up late last night, and they were up early this morning working on it. And he can't get into pads until game day, so we won't know a whole lot about him."

After being signed as a free agent by the Arizona Cardinals after going undrafted in 2011, O'Dowd most recently was with the New York Jets.

On Thursday, the Seahawks also cut ties with kicker Carson Wiggs.

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Seahawks Training Camp: Antonio Bryant Released, Carson Wiggs Re-Signed

The Seattle Seahawks are seemingly determined to strike gold with a veteran wide receiver in training camp. After a little more than a week, the team officially parted with Antonio Bryant following Sunday's practice. Bryant was signed on July 26 and began working out with the team, but it was quickly decided he was no longer capable of being a playmaker anymore.

Bryant had not played in the NFL since 2009. He missed all of 2010 with a knee injury, and was unable to find a team last year. It appears his career is now over.

Seahawks release WR Antonio Bryant and re-sign K Carson Wiggs to the 90-man roster.

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 5, 2012

Carson Wiggs, 22, was added to the roster earlier in the year as a non-drafted free agent out of Purdue. He will likely serve as depth for the Seahawks in training camp and in the season, but he could see some playing time should an injury arise for Steven Hauschka.

For more on the Seahawks, make sure you head to Field Gulls and join in on the discussion.

Seahawks To Sign WR Braylon Edwards, Per Report

The Seahawks will sign veteran wide receiver Braylon Edwards later today, Dave "Softy" Mahler of SportsRadioKJR reports. Kicker Carson Wiggs was released to clear room on the roster. Edwards, 6'3, 215, was the third overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Browns after an absurdly successful college campaign at Michigan in which he had three straight 1000+ yard seasons. Edwards started strong in his career in Cleveland, and by his third season, 2007, he caught 80 passes for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns, second only in the NFL to Randy Moss' 23. His next season was not so great, as he regressed to 55 catches for 873 yards and only three touchdowns, and he dropped a league-worst 23 passes. He fell out of favor in Cleveland after an injury-shortened 2009 season and was traded to the Jetsin 2008.

Over two seasons in New York, Edwards caught 88 passes for 1,445 yards and 11 touchdowns and seemed to get things a little bit more on track with his career. Expectations were high for some as he signed in San Francisco last season as a potential deep threat for them, but he caught only 15 passes in nine games and was released mid-season. He had a free-agent tryout last week with the Seahawks and apparently impressed enough for a further look.

For what it's worth, Edwards has improved after developing a reputation for drops, and has more or less reined in that issue since that disastrous 2008 season, reportedly tweaking technique in New York that largely helped him correct the issue to an acceptable level. Despite his reputation, according to ProFootballFocus' tracking, he's not even in the top-15 (bottom-15, I guess) in the NFL for drop rate over the past three season.

Also worth noting in regards to the former blue-chip prospect, the quarterbacks that have thrown to Braylon Edwards in his career are Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Mark Sanchez, Kellen Clemons and Alex Smith. Not exactly an overwhelming list. He comes to a Seahawks team with a three-headed quarterback competition and should compete either at the up-for-grabs X receiver position or as a possible depth guy behind injury prone Sidney Rice. Of course, he'll have to make the roster first. It should be interesting to see what he's got left in the tank, and we won't have to wait long to find out as the Seahawks continue training camp this week.

For more on the Seahawks, make sure you head to Field Gulls and join in on the discussion.

Max Unger's Contract Details Revealed

NFL.com's salary cap guru Brian McIntyre is reporting that a source with knowledge of his contract, Seahawks center Max Unger is set to make over $25.5 million over the next five seasons, thanks to a new deal signed this week. Per McIntyre, Unger's four-year extension "is worth $24.935 million, a $6.233 million per year average that ranks fourth behind Ryan Kalil, Nick Mangold and Chris Myers among NFL centers."

GM John Schneider said in a press release after inking Unger to a new deal, "Pete and I are excited to lock up a young core leader on our offense. Max's consistent and professional approach to his job transcends the locker room and the huddle."

Over the age of the contract, which is five years, Unger is set to make about $5.1 million per year, with $12 million guaranteed, again, pretty rich for an NFL center. According to McIntyre, Unger received a $5.5 million signing bonus and will earn a base salary of $2.5 million in 2012 and $4 million 2013, fully guaranteed. He then goes to a non-guaranteed $4.5 million in both 2014 and 2015, then falls again to $4.25 million non-guaranteed with a $250,000 roster bonus in 2016. There are escalators in base salary that remain undisclosed.

For more on the Seahawks, make sure you head to Field Gulls and join in on the discussion.

Brian Banks Worked Out For Seahawks, No Deal At This Time

Seahawks Training Camp 2012: Players Report Friday, Practice Open To Fans This Weekend

Seahawks Training Camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center is one of the highlights of the offseason for any Seattle fan. Anyone can register and attend, and it gives you a chance to watch the team practice while sitting on a nice grass hill overlooking Lake Washington, listening to music and catching some rays. Of course, it's more than just hanging out on a berm in the sun, it's your first chance to see the Seahawks' new players, draft picks and free agents alike, in action and in Seahawks blue.

Kellen Winslow, Matt Flynn, and Jason Jones will debut as the teams' top free agent signees and it will be cool to watch Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, and Bruce Irvin live and in person. The team has 13 training camp practices open this year, beginning Saturday, July 28th and concluding Wednesday, August 15th. If you're interested in going, you must register through the Bing Training Camp Website. It's on a first-come, first-served basis and only fans that register through their site will be allowed to attend practice. It costs you $6, but in my opinion, it's well worth it.

For more on the Seahawks, make sure you head to Field Gulls and join in on the discussion.

Seahawks Sign Veteran WR Antonio Bryant

Marshawn Lynch Pleads Not Guilty To DUI Charges

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has had enough trouble with the law during the course of his NFL career, but is apparently going to try and fight his latest incident as ESPN is reporting that Seattle's star running back has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges in California.

According to his attorney, Ivan Golde, Lynch blew a .08 at the scene shortly after he was pulled over on July 14 in Alameda County and subsequently arrested. He registered a slightly higher blood-alcohol level when tested at the jail on a calibrated breathalyzer. Golde claims Lynch was under .08 when he was pulled over and his blood-alcohol level had risen by the time he had gotten to the jail.

The California Highway Patrol reported seeing Lynch weaving in and out of lanes on Interstate 880 in Emeryville, CA. An incident report released by the California Highway Patrol described Lynch driving a Ford Econoline van and having two near collisions with other vehicles.

Lynch was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and driving while having a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher. He has an August 14 court date.

For more on the Seahawks make sure that you check out Field Gulls.

Seahawks, Max Unger Agree To Multi-Year Extension

The Seattle Seahawks will break ground on their 2012 season with the start of training camp this weekend, and already getting down to business on the 2013 free agency period, as the team is reporting the signing of center Max Unger to a multi-year extension.

Seattle drafted Unger in the second-round of the 2009 NFL Draft, 49th overall, and he has started 32 games for the team thus far. Unger was on the line in 15 games last season, helping anchor an offensive line that improved throughout the year and whose rushing attack was led by Marshawn Lynch.

GM John Schneider was very pleased with the new deal:

"Pete [Carroll] and I are excited to lock up a young core leader on our offense," said General Manager John Schneider. "Max's consistent and professional approach to his job transcends the locker room and the huddle."

Now Unger and the Seahawks can get back to business on the field instead of the meeting room.

For more on the Seahawks, make sure to check out Field Gulls.

Seahawks Training Camp: Hawks To Host QB G.J. Kinne Prior To Opening Camp

According to Jets' beat writer Manish Mehta, and confirmed by Seahawks beat writer Curtis Crabtree, the Seahawks will host former Tulsa QB G.J. Kinne for a workout on Wednesday.

Seahawks Come to Terms With DE Chris Clemons

For quite a while this offseason, it seemed like Chris Clemons wouldn't be returning to Century Link Field for the 2012-2013 season. But like every offseason, things can change fast, and the Seahawks have reached a multiyear deal with Chris Clemons.

Chris Clemons, Seattle Seahawks agree on multiyear contract - NFL.com

According to NFL.com, the contract hasn't been signed and the terms are not immediately available.

Clemons seemed on his way out after skipping a mandatory minicamp - and in turn forfeiting $1 million in salary - and also turned down a two-year $14 million extension. He has been a bastion of consistency in the Seattle defense, starting all 32 games over the past two seasons and racking up 100 tackles in the process.

Seahawks first-round pick Bruce Irvin is expected to start across from Clemons in the upcoming season.

For more on the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, make sure that you check out SB Nation Seattle's offseason StoryStream as well as Field Gulls, SB Nation's hopelessly devoted Seahawks blog.

SI.com's Don Banks: 'In Reality, It's Flynn's Job to Lose'

If you follow Seahawks football, you already know: there is a three-way quarterback competition going into training camp and there is no clear front-runner (if you ask this coaching staff). Incumbent Tarvaris Jackson has played well enough in the practices, mini-camps, and OTAs to hold on to his position to receive the 'first snaps' come next week's start of training camp, but in reality, that distinction matters little. Each player, Jackson, Matt Flynn, and Russell Wilson, are liable to receive equal reps until (hopefully) someone separates themselves from the pack.

SI's Don Banks weighed in on the situation, and put his chips on free agent acquisition Matt Flynn emerging as starter. Per Banks:

Logic tells us free-agent addition Matt Flynn is in the driver's seat in Seattle, ahead of both 2011 starter Tarvaris Jackson and rookie third-round pick Russell Wilson. But Flynn's meager track record -- two NFL starts -- means there's no reason to anoint him the clear-cut No. 1, so Carroll didn't. He wants Flynn to work and earn the job in the preseason, because it'll count for more in the locker room if he does. That's just the way the NFL works.

The QB storyline will consume all the oxygen in Seattle's training camp, but in reality, it's Flynn's job to lose. If the Seahawks were happy with Jackson, they wouldn't have signed Flynn and spent their highest pick on a quarterback in 10 years by taking Wilson. And despite Carroll's infatuation level with Wilson's potential, the smart and resourceful rookie figures to be a Wildcat package option this year, with a better chance of beating out Jackson for the backup job than truly pushing Flynn for the starting gig. Unless he falls on his face(mask) in August, Flynn should be the last man standing under center in Week 1.

Thankfully, training camp starts July 28th for the Seahawks, a week from tomorrow. Soon enough, we'll have a clearer picture of who will end up on the top of the depth chart at QB for Seattle.

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Marshawn Lynch Charged With DUI: Seahawks' Options If He Collects A Suspension

Facing the specter of a several game suspension for Seahawks' running back Marshawn Lynch, fans are rightfully concerned. Lynch is, more or less, the face of the franchise and makes up a big part of their offensive identity. Over the final eight games of 2011, Lynch led the NFL in rushing and helped the Seahawks to instill a tough, hard-nosed attitude and install a run-heavy offensive system. With his recent DUI arrest and charges though, he could conceivably miss the first several games of the year. Who will the Seahawks turn to if this becomes a reality?

Next in line behind Lynch is his presumptive backup, rookie running back Robert Turbin. The Seahawks purposefully went out and got a player that they saw as a nice complement and capable replacement for Lynch, who runs with a bruising style that can easily accrue injuries. Because Seattle didn't want to be left out in the cold in this case, as they were last season against Cleveland when Lynch was a late scratch with back spasms, they wanted a player with toughness to run inside, enough size to punish defenses and break tackles, and enough receiving/pass blocking ability to mask run/pass playcalling. In theory, Turbin brings all that, but obviously, he's a rookie and will face a steep learning curve. Still, I have confidence that Turbin can fill the void -- mid-round rookie running backs last year saw some success across the league, whether it was Roy Helu Jr, DeMarco Murray, Taiwan Jones, or Kendall Hunter.

Also a factor in the run game, Leon Washington should see some carries if Lynch is suspended. He's the Seahawks' dedicated punt and kick returner, but has potential in the run game as well as a change of pace to Turbin. Leon has nice burst and one of the traits that makes him a great kick returner -- an ability to put his foot in the ground and get downhill quickly -- is advantageous in the Seahawks zone-blocking scheme.

Also in the mix, there are several running backs vying for a roster spot that could have an impact early on. Tyrell Sutton was picked up during the offseason and showed some promise previously in his career in Carolina. He's a bit undersized, but has excellent balance and plays bigger than his 5'9, 211 frame. In that way, he reminds me a bit of Justin Forsett, so Sutton could be an option.

Also in the picture could be recently signed running back Kregg Lumpkin. Lumpkin packs a punch at 5'11, 228, and though he's not dynamic as a runner, he offers reliable hands in the passing game (40+ catches last year for the Bucs). Lumpkin would likely be used as a third down back behind Turbin and/or Washington, because of his experience in the league in picking up blitzes and in pass protection, and his abilities as a release or outlet receiver for what's likely to be an inexperienced quarterback for the Hawks.

Vai Taua, the former Nevada star running back, is also a possible option and could surprise with a spot on the roster. He's also not the most dynamic runner -- neither especially fast nor laterally explosive, but he rushes with toughness and physicality, and could operate in the Seahawks' scheme.

Finally, fullback Michael Robinson could see his carries increase. The leader in the lockerroom also can pack a punch as a between-the-tackles runner at 6'1, 240. Robinson could hear his name called in short yardage sitiuations and as a release/outlet option in the passing game as well.

All in all -- obviously, this is not the ideal situation. Lynch has a style and skillset that meshes perfectly with what the Seahawks want to do on the ground, and that's why he was given a new deal with $17 million in guarantees. But, if he can't go, the Seahawks have some options already on their roster.

Of course, if they don't feel comfortable with Turbin, Washington, Sutton, Taua, or Robinson carrying the load in the case that Lynch gets suspended, there are several free agents still on the market, including Cedric Benson and Ryan Grant.

For more on Marshawn Lynch and the rest of your Seattle Seahawks this offseason, make sure that you check out SB Nation Seattle's offseason StoryStream as well as Field Gulls, SB Nation's hopelessly devoted Seahawks blog.

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