The Seattle Seahawks announced that they have agreed to terms with first-round offensive tackle James Carpenter and veteran linebacker Leroy Hill.
Seahawks Agree To Terms With OT James Carpenter, LB Leroy Hill
Carpenter is expected to sign his contract and be on the practice field on Friday.
Seattle used the 25th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft on Carpenter, who was a two-year starter at left tackle for the University of Alabama. The 6-foot-4, 321-pound Carpenter is expected to be an immediate starter at right tackle for the Seahawks.
Hill's return comes as a bit of a surprise. A valuable starter for the Seahawks between 2005 and 2008, Hill was arrested for possession of marijuana in February of 2009, an incident that did not prevent the Seahawks' front office from designating Hill their franchise player. After using the fourth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft on linebacker Aaron Curry, Seattle rescinded the franchise tender and signed Hill to a six-year, $36 million extension.
Hill missed five games in 2009, recording a career-low 46 tackles and one quarterback sack. Hill was arrested on domestic violence charges the following April (charges will could be dismissed provided Hill meets certain court-ordered stipulations), but the Seahawks restructured his contract in August, essentially voiding the final four years of the deal. Hill served a one-game suspension to start the 2010 season (for the Georgia arrest) and injured his Achilles' in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, the only game Hill would appear in last season before he was placed on injured reserve.
David Hawthorne, Lofa Tatupu, and Curry are expected to start, but Hill is has good instincts as a blitzer and could see playing time in nickel packages.
The Seahawks also announced that defensive tackle Barrett Moen, linebacker Joe Pawelek, and safety James Brindley were placed on waivers. Offensive linemen Stacy Andrews and Chris White had their vested veteran contracts terminated.
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