I agree that Alexander is better than Holmgren thinks, but if there was ever a year to take a chance on replacing a star RB this will be the year to do it. There are a number of strong options via free agency, trades (Henry) or the draft. It's a risk to let someone as productive as Alexander go, but Holmgren may be able to find a strong replacement given the amount of talent that will be available at the RB position this off-season.
Well said. I think the Seahawks may have to let Alexander go, but it's not because he's not talented - obviously Shaun Alexander is a very good pro running back. But ultimately it comes down to the value of Alexander at what his new contract would be worth vs. the value of a cheaper back, and what buying a cheaper back would afford the Seahawks to do with the rest of the roster decisions. In other words, it's not like the Seahawks are saying "Alexander sucks, he's a crybaby, run him out of town." It's all about margin analysis. And as the Patriots have shown us over the years, you have to be very, very careful about what players you show long-term loyalty to when playing cap ball. In a perfect world, Seattle's roster would be better prepared for this off-seaosn. But given the current landscape, I think letting Alexander walk (if he wants megabucks) is the best option I can see, even as it's far from ideal. I am, of course, assuming the RB market and draft will offer up some decent options. I'm not expecting Maurice Morris to be any great revelation.