Noteworthy Free Agent Supposedly a Seahawk

Seahawk Nation actually landed a free agent whose name we recognize. Photograph courtesy of The Seattle Municipal Archives

While local TV news teams are already struggling with embarrassing quips about the Seahawks signing of TJ Houshmandzadeh, the former Oregon State Beaver is a physical departure from a core of receivers whose collective toughness has been more reflective in recent years of a rickety china set than a professional football team.

Ignore the disgruntled Vikings fans who are suddenly relieved to not have his contract; this move was necessary. Hasselbeck deserves to have a receiver who can break tackles, show some attitude, and put up consistent numbers (we’re looking at you, Mr. Branch). With questions surrounding the health of Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree, this frees the Hawks up to focus on either protecting our QB with the fourth pick in the draft or adding some beef to a defensive line that broke down early and often last year.

Yes, we know TJ is 31, yes, we know he still has to pass a physical. Never mind that, we’re giving the best QB in our franchise's history a last run at greatness before his all-too-characteristically-Seahawk back gives out for good. Unlike bringing in an old Griffey for nostalgia’s sake, this signing promises actual results that could put the Seahawks back at the top of their division.

Matt deserves this, and if for a second you don’t think he’s thrilled about the signing, then you must not have suffered through last season.