The Seattle Seahawks are working to sign linebacker Ben Leber, according to Kevin Calabro. The Seahawks, however, are not the only team pursuing the 32-year-old veteran. According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Seahawks are one of four teams who have interest in Leber.
Seattle is looking to fill a need at linebacker after offseason moves involving some of their linebackers. Lofa Tatupa was released by the team and Will Herring has left to play for the New Orleans Saints.
Leber has spent nine seasons in the NFL, four with the San Diego Chargers (2002-2005) and five with the Minnesota Vikings (2006-2010). Leber has recorded 46 tackles in each of the past two seasons, starting 23 of 32 games during that time span.
It appears that the Seahawks' pursuit of Leber has intensified as the day has gone in. But is this for the best?
Though Leber did have a significant impact with the Vikings last season, there are questions about how much longer he can keep performing at a high level before he trails off. Leber's stats from the last two seasons are a decrease from the two seasons prior, when he recorded 67 sacks in 2007 and 64 sacks in 2008. Leber may be on the downside of his career, and the Seahawks might be taking a gamble here.
The Seahawks don't really have a choice though. The team needs help at linebacker right away, and regardless of where Leber is in his career, he is one of the best available.