One More Vote For Matt Hasselebeck To Leave Seahawks

That’s how the Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle story is going these days. We’ve heard from people predicting Hasselbeck will be leaving the Seahawks as a free agent whenever the lockout is lifted and then we’ve heard from others, including Hasselbeck himself, that suggest staying in Seattle is an option.

Hasselbeeck is 35 years old and could have another productive season or two in him. Teams that need someone to bridge the gap for a rookie starter would make sense for Hasselbeck if he’s not coming back to Seattle. The Titans could fit that mold if QB Jake Locker isn’t ready right away.

Last week news came out that Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell reached out to Hasselbeck during the brief window in which the lockout was lifted and communication between coaches and players was allowed. And from that conversation, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports:

This actually shouldn’t be a surprise at all. Back in April he said he was “hopeful” he would return to Seattle once the labor situation is figured out. It would appear both sides have some interest in reuniting and if the lockout rolls into August or September, neither side may have much of an option but to get back together.

When the lockout is lifted, will he return?

There are several folks predicting he will not. ESPN’s John Clayton has previously reported that Hasselbeck isn’t expected back and now ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the same.

There was, though, a brief window on from Friday morning to Friday afternoon where the NFL told teams the lockout was lifted and they could communicate with the players. In that time period, the Seahawks reached out to Hasselbeck, according to Mike Sando of ESPN.com.

There are several teams that could be interested in Hasselbeck if and when he hits free agency so it’s possible his value goes up once that period starts. The Seahawks haven’t done anything to suggest they have other plans than Hasselbeck -- like drafting someone else -- so that’s also something to think about. Maybe they decide to go with QB Charlie Whitehurst, who is already in-house.

If it were up to Hasselbeck, it sounds like he would be back.

Really, the Seahawks may not have many other options other than to bring him back. If the lockout rolls into training camp, it may simply come down to a time issue. Without training camp, it would be awfully difficult to prepare a new quarterback for their system.

There can’t be any player movement during the NFL lockout which means players can’t be signed, released or traded. That hasn’t stopped folks from speculating on what will happen if/when the lockout is lifted.

Hasselbeck’s future could also depend on what the Seahawks do in the draft. If they spend the 25th pick on a quarterback, it’s possible they’ll roll with the rookie instead of securing Hasselbeck for another year. QB Jake Locker will work out for the Seahawks prior to the draft.