After a trio of moves, the Seattle Seahawks should now be referred to as Minnesota-northwest.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter — the NFL’s busiest man — reports that the Seahawks and free agent receiver Sidney Rice have agreed to terms on five-year contract that’s worth up to $44 million dollars, including $18.5 million in guarantees.
The deal is contingent on Rice passing a physical, which is no slam dunk considering the former Vikings WR missed most of last season after undergoing hip surgery.
As with many high-profile signings, “overpaid” is a word that immediately comes to mind when glancing at the total amount of the contract. In Seattle’s case, though, it may be justified.
The ‘Hawks already lured offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell away from Minnesota, and also acquired former Vikes quarterback Tarvaris Jackson on Wednesday. Adding Rice into the equation means there should be familiarity on the sidelines and in the huddle.
Rice, who was a top three receiver on the open market, instantly becomes Seattle’s new playmaker, replacing Mike Williams, who’s more suited as a possession threat.
But this will all be for naught if Jackson continues to display his patented inability of getting his wideouts the ball. Taking that into account, as well as Rice’s injury history, this is a classic example of a high-risk, high-reward gamble.