Vikes Sign Hutchinson to Offer Sheet (1 Viewer)

[cstu]

From Sando's blog:

Mar 20, 2006 11:35 am

New twist in Hutchinson situation

Seahawks LT Walter Jones has redone his contract with the team so that his average per year declines beneath the $7 million average offered to LG Steve Hutchinson by the Vikings. Some of you have asked recently if I thought that would happen. I said I did not think it would. I was wrong. My understanding is that Jones added one year to his deal at a base salary of $1 million. This extra year will void in the end, but for now it lowers the average. The team then converted his 2006 roster bonus ($2 million) to signing bonus. That affects his cap number this year but not the average (I'm not immediately sure why that was done, but it was done). I'm also told that the special master intends to make a ruling by this afternoon, and that the issue being debated is a little different than we thought. The disputed clause in the Hutchinson offer sheet would guarantee the full $49 million contract if Hutchinson were not the highest-paid offensive lineman on his team in 2006. The question, in light of Jones redoing his deal, is whether Hutchinson had to be the highest-paid guy for every day of the league year (Jones would have been paid more for part of this year, up until he redid his deal). Hope that helps. This is a developing story. Stay tuned.

Looks like the Seahawks are going to win.

 

[Barry]

Put any guard in the league beside Walter Jones, and they suddenly get a little better.

No. A gaurd has his own responsibilities that have nothing to do with the tackle. It's not like a WR benefitting from a great QB. What Jones does has no effect on whether Hutchingson wins his point of attack. Have you ever played the game?

 

[reg]

I just wish this would get over for one side or the other.

 

[Dancing Bear]

Jones' newly reduced ontract now shifts the arbitration.

TWIST!

 

[AB in DC]

From last week:

AND ONE MORE TIME,

The last three pages of argument is based on this poison pill idea that has only been reported by PFT and hasn't been confirmed or even mentioned by anyone else. This might all just be a bunch of

Time to bump all those PFT threads again?

You work at PFT or something?

Did you miss the smiley?

 

[Bears_Man2]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson should remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

 

[Andy Dufresne]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

Verrrrrrry

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Put any guard in the league beside Walter Jones, and they suddenly get a little better.

No. A gaurd has his own responsibilities that have nothing to do with the tackle. It's not like a WR benefitting from a great QB. What Jones does has no effect on whether Hutchingson wins his point of attack. Have you ever played the game?

They have responsibilities based on their skill and how they are lined up against. The defense will also change based on Jones.Think of how a WR affects the other WR. They are independent, but still affect one another to a degree.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

 

[Gordo]

 

[massraider]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

 

[DoctorDetroit]

From last week:

AND ONE MORE TIME,

The last three pages of argument is based on this poison pill idea that has only been reported by PFT and hasn't been confirmed or even mentioned by anyone else.  This might all just be a bunch of 

Time to bump all those PFT threads again?

You work at PFT or something?

Did you miss the smiley?

I have poor smiley comprehension in my old age or after reading ten posts on Steve Hutchinson.

 

[Bears_Man2]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

 

[DoctorDetroit]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

I see this statement there:All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson should remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

http://www.rotoworld.com/includes/topblurbs.asp?sport=NFL

The word should seems to be missing from your post.

 

[massraider]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

Fair enough. I think the point is moot, as I heard on anohter board that Mike Sando, Seattle sports guy, said the decision was going in the Hawks favor, but that the decision wasn't going to be announced until 5 p.m.

only reason I questioned the above statement.

 

[massraider]

To clarify, my understanding was that the decision was not going to be about the poison pill, but rather the whole "2006 year" versus "2006 league year" thing.

 

[Noahs Troopers]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

Fair enough. I think the point is moot, as I heard on anohter board that Mike Sando, Seattle sports guy, said the decision was going in the Hawks favor, but that the decision wasn't going to be announced until 5 p.m.

only reason I questioned the above statement.

5 pm seattle time or kentuckey time?

 

[inca911]

ESPN Link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2377065

 

[DoctorDetroit]

In your defense that is some obscure English but the omission of SHOULD is quite important here.

You posted it here first so give us that ROTOWORLD source next time straight away. TIA.

 

[Bears_Man2]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

I see this statement there:All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson should remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

http://www.rotoworld.com/includes/topblurbs.asp?sport=NFL

The word should seems to be missing from your post.

Looks like they did change will to should after I copied/pasted the item.Editted my post above.

 

[Noahs Troopers]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

If you found it on rotoworld then why clearly write source:espn.com ?

 

[DoctorDetroit]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

If you found it on rotoworld then why clearly write source:espn.com ?

That's what it says there as well. I wouldn't use ROTOWORLD as my favorite resource specifically for things like this. I don't doubt "WILL" was replaced with "SHOULD" as soon as someone with a clue noticed it.

 

[Bears_Man2]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

If you found it on rotoworld then why clearly write source:espn.com ?

I wrote nothing. I pasted it from the Rotoworld.com site, who got it from ESPN.com

 

[Noahs Troopers]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

If you found it on rotoworld then why clearly write source:espn.com ?

I wrote nothing. I pasted it from the Rotoworld.com site, who got it from ESPN.com

No problems. Seems Rotoworld is a pretty sleazy ####hole.

 

[Sea Bass]

Guys,

I don't have any sources or links but I have a bad feeling that today's actions suggest that Seattle is only resigning Hutch so that they can trade him.

 

[mozzy84]

Wonder if hutch is going to be a little po'd that Jones would do this. I would be anyways.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Guys,

I don't have any sources or links but I have a bad feeling that today's actions suggest that Seattle is only resigning Hutch so that they can trade him.

Why? Seattle is not going to trade him IMO...no one is going to pick up that hefty contract. MN is not going to send draft picks now when thye could have signed him in the 1st place...who else is going to trade for him?

 

[DoctorDetroit]

All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson will remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

The case did not end up going to arbitration. The Seahawks were able to lower teammate Walter Jones' average salary by adding a year to his contract, thus avoiding a "poison pill" provision in Hutch's offer sheet that guaranteed his $49 million salary if he wasn't the team's highest paid offensive lineman. It's confusing, but the end result is that Seattle will retain his rights. It's good news for the entire offense. Mar. 20 - 3:38 pm et

Source: ESPN.com

I can't find that on ESPN.com, nor ESPNNews.Link?

I thought they were in a hearing till at least 5 p.m. EST.

I found it on Rotoworld.com and pasted it here.

If you found it on rotoworld then why clearly write source:espn.com ?

I wrote nothing. I pasted it from the Rotoworld.com site, who got it from ESPN.com

No problems. Seems Rotoworld is a pretty sleazy ####hole.

ESPN's lead: The Seattle Seahawks have apparently maneuvered themselves into position to keep All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson, an attorney for the NFL's players' union said Monday.

Rotoworld's lead: All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson should remain a Seahawk after Seattle was able to match Minnesota's offer sheet.

So according to Rotoworld even with the will now as a should, the Seahawks were "able to match Minnesota's offer sheet." The ESPN article only stated they "manuevered themselves into position" to do so. ROTOWORLD is officially banned as a Doctor Detroit source (never really used them anyway). They are jumping the gun even with "should."

 

[Sea Bass]

If he resigns with Seattle, Minnesota could only obtain him via trade. They seem to want him badly.

 

[Irish]

-- this is a very big deal as it relates to the balance of power in the league. Hutchinson out of Seattle would take a very big bite out of Shaun Alexander's effectiveness. All you fantasy football players who love Alexander and his gazillion annual touchdowns? Get ready for a decline if Hutchinson goes to Minnesota.

Maybe they are unaware that Seattle has 3 other pro-bowl blockers and has Womack to fill the void if they don't bring in a FA replacement, like Ashworth from the Patriots.Put any guard in the league beside Walter Jones, and they suddenly get a little better.

I am not trying to take anythign away from hutch, as he is awesome, but Hutch is not the sole reason for the Seahawks success.

I remember the year that Hutch missed most of the season with a broken leg and let me tell you that Hutch makes a HUGE difference on the offense. IIRC Walter Jones had a down year that year. So maybe Hutch is the one who makes Jones better.

 

[Funkley]

If he resigns with Seattle, Minnesota could only obtain him via trade. They seem to want him badly.

Makes sense.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

-- this is a very big deal as it relates to the balance of power in the league. Hutchinson out of Seattle would take a very big bite out of Shaun Alexander's effectiveness. All you fantasy football players who love Alexander and his gazillion annual touchdowns? Get ready for a decline if Hutchinson goes to Minnesota.

Maybe they are unaware that Seattle has 3 other pro-bowl blockers and has Womack to fill the void if they don't bring in a FA replacement, like Ashworth from the Patriots.Put any guard in the league beside Walter Jones, and they suddenly get a little better.

I am not trying to take anythign away from hutch, as he is awesome, but Hutch is not the sole reason for the Seahawks success.

I remember the year that Hutch missed most of the season with a broken leg and let me tell you that Hutch makes a HUGE difference on the offense. IIRC Walter Jones had a down year that year. So maybe Hutch is the one who makes Jones better.

The Hawks were the #1 offense in the NFL in the last stretch (~last 4 games) during that season. I am not saying that they won't lose a beat, but its not going to be this HUGE decline.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If he resigns with Seattle, Minnesota could only obtain him via trade. They seem to want him badly.

Makes sense.

Won't happen. With the #17 and two seconds, they could get one or even two of Jean-Gilles/Joseph/Spencer if they choose. On the outside chance they're all gone, Lutui would be an okay consolation prize.There's only so much you give up for a guard.

 

[Funkley]

If he resigns with Seattle, Minnesota could only obtain him via trade. They seem to want him badly.

Makes sense.

Won't happen. With the #17 and two seconds, they could get one or even two of Jean-Gilles/Joseph/Spencer if they choose. On the outside chance they're all gone, Lutui would be an okay consolation prize.There's only so much you give up for a guard.

You're right, it all depends what the Seahawks would want in trade.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If he resigns with Seattle, Minnesota could only obtain him via trade. They seem to want him badly.

Makes sense.

Won't happen. With the #17 and two seconds, they could get one or even two of Jean-Gilles/Joseph/Spencer if they choose. On the outside chance they're all gone, Lutui would be an okay consolation prize.There's only so much you give up for a guard.

You're right, it all depends what the Seahawks would want in trade.

I can't imagine it being less than a first rounder.

 

[DoctorDetroit]

-- this is a very big deal as it relates to the balance of power in the league. Hutchinson out of Seattle would take a very big bite out of Shaun Alexander's effectiveness. All you fantasy football players who love Alexander and his gazillion annual touchdowns? Get ready for a decline if Hutchinson goes to Minnesota.

Maybe they are unaware that Seattle has 3 other pro-bowl blockers and has Womack to fill the void if they don't bring in a FA replacement, like Ashworth from the Patriots.Put any guard in the league beside Walter Jones, and they suddenly get a little better.

I am not trying to take anythign away from hutch, as he is awesome, but Hutch is not the sole reason for the Seahawks success.

I remember the year that Hutch missed most of the season with a broken leg and let me tell you that Hutch makes a HUGE difference on the offense. IIRC Walter Jones had a down year that year. So maybe Hutch is the one who makes Jones better.

Jones was an All Pro, was selected to the Pro Bowl despite being injured for much of the season. He played in 14 games and this brings this argument full circle. The Seahawks didn't want to franchise Hutchinson because they feared they would have an unhappy player like they did with Walter Jones who missed training camp year after year because of the franchise tag. Jones was ready and in shape but he wasn't necessarily in game shape and in 2002 he played hurt. He still made the Pro Bowl and still was one of the best linemen in the game. Sehawks had other issues on the line that year as well but let's not get into that. Walter Jones makes everyone better around him for a number of reasons. Hutch is a great guard, Walter Jones is a Hall of Famer, the best at his position in the NFL, and a future Hall of Famer. He makes people better.

 

[Funkley]

If he resigns with Seattle, Minnesota could only obtain him via trade. They seem to want him badly.

Makes sense.

Won't happen. With the #17 and two seconds, they could get one or even two of Jean-Gilles/Joseph/Spencer if they choose. On the outside chance they're all gone, Lutui would be an okay consolation prize.There's only so much you give up for a guard.

You're right, it all depends what the Seahawks would want in trade.

I can't imagine it being less than a first rounder.

Then F' that. Nice knowin' ya Steve.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Then F' that. Nice knowin' ya Steve.

I wonder what happened with Stephen Neal from the Patriots. They had apparently signed him to an offer sheet, but then nothing.

 

[ratpfink]

Then F' that. Nice knowin' ya Steve. 

I wonder what happened with Stephen Neal from the Patriots. They had apparently signed him to an offer sheet, but then nothing.

Neal isn't a Restricted Free Agent or Transition FA, so there is no "offer sheet" involved. Either they gave him an offer and he rejected it, or they didn't give him an offer.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Then F' that. Nice knowin' ya Steve. 

I wonder what happened with Stephen Neal from the Patriots. They had apparently signed him to an offer sheet, but then nothing.

Neal isn't a Restricted Free Agent or Transition FA, so there is no "offer sheet" involved. Either they gave him an offer and he rejected it, or they didn't give him an offer.

Really? I must have misread.

 

[Dancing Bear]

Sorry, but you guys are off topic and the news of the outcome of the arbitration hearing has not been given.

ESPN states APPARENTLY, and not definitively.

As I stated earlier in this thread, the arbitrator is now ruling on a different part of the contract and not the Jones things which is mute.

The essence now is what constitutes being the highest-paid offensive lineman, and for how long a duration. Seattle is contending that it only needs to be one day ... We'll see.

This one is not over yet!

 

[mad sweeney]

Wonder if hutch is going to be a little po'd that Jones would do this. I would be anyways.

Why? On principal? It affects none of Hutch's money since if they ruled against Seattle, they weren't going to match the guarantee. So he would've gone to Minny and made the same money as he will in Seattle. He wasn't going to get the 50 mil guaranteed so his net loss is zero. And he gets to remain with the best line and best RB (stats wise) currently in the game on a SB contending team. Doesn't move his family, learn a new system, etc... Those OL are tight with each other so I doubt Jones was trying to screw Hutch in any way.

 

[DoctorDetroit]

 

[DoctorDetroit]

Special master rules against Hawks | Subscribe "Special master" Stephen Burbank ruled against the NFL Management Council and the Seahawks today in their attempt to match the Vikings' offer to LG Steve Hutchinson under altered terms. That means the Seahawks have until midnight tonight EST to match the Vikings' offer to Pro Bowl LG Steve Hutchinson, or he will become a Viking. A clause in the offer called for the full $49 million to become guaranteed if Hutchinson weren't the highest-paid offensive lineman on his team in 2006. The Seahawks tried to get around that be reworking the deal of LT Walter Jones. "Special master Stephen Burbank has determined that the additional language that the Seahawks proposed to include in the Steve Hutchinson contract would alter a principle term of the Vikings' offer sheet," league spokesman Michael Signora said today. "The Seahawks have until midnight Eastern to decide if they'll match the original offer sheet."

 

[ratpfink]

link

Arbitrator rules Vikings' original offer sheet to Hutchinson is valid

Seahawks have until 11 p.m. to match offer sheet

Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Last update: March 20, 2006 – 4:53 PM

The NFL announced Monday afternoon that the Seattle Seahawks can't change a principal term of the offer sheet signed by All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Seahawks have until 11 tonight CST to decide whether to match the offer sheet or allow Hutchinson to flee to the Vikings.

The Seahawks produced a surprise this morning during a hearing to determine the future of Hutchinson.

During a hearing in front of Stephen Burbank, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, the Seahawks did not argue the legality of a so-called "poison-pill" clause that would guarantee all of Hutchinson's $49 million offer sheet if he does not have the highest annual average salary of any offensive lineman on his team in 2006.

Instead, the Seahawks revealed they had renegotiated the contract of left tackle Walter Jones, according to NFLPA General Counsel Richard Berthelsen, who represented Hutchinson at the hearing. Jones' contract now averages less than $7 million annually -- a move the Seahawks argued would allow them to match the offer sheet without triggering the clause. Jones' contract previously averaged $7.5 million a year.

But Burbank decided that the changes the Seahawks were attempting to make would have changed a principal term of the offer sheet.

The Seahawks instigated the dispute two days before they were required to match or pass on the Vikings' seven-year, $49 million offer sheet. The Seahawks were supposedly set to argue the legality of the so-called "poison pill" clause. If another player had a higher figure, the clause guarantees the entire $49 million contract, making it one of the richest deals in league history. The stipulation was inserted by Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, and agreed to by the Vikings, as a tool to prevent the Seahawks from matching the offer -- which is their right under the NFL's rules for transition players.

The powerful 6-5, 313-pound Hutchinson, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and the agile 6-5, 315-pound Jones helped lead Seattle to a 13-3 record and Super Bowl XL this past season.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

 

[DoctorDetroit]

link

Arbitrator rules Vikings' original offer sheet to Hutchinson is valid

Seahawks have until 11 p.m. to match offer sheet

Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Last update: March 20, 2006 – 4:53 PM

The NFL announced Monday afternoon that the Seattle Seahawks can't change a principal term of the offer sheet signed by All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Seahawks have until 11 tonight CST to decide whether to match the offer sheet or allow Hutchinson to flee to the Vikings.

The Seahawks produced a surprise this morning during a hearing to determine the future of Hutchinson.

During a hearing in front of Stephen Burbank, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, the Seahawks did not argue the legality of a so-called "poison-pill" clause that would guarantee all of Hutchinson's $49 million offer sheet if he does not have the highest annual average salary of any offensive lineman on his team in 2006.

Instead, the Seahawks revealed they had renegotiated the contract of left tackle Walter Jones, according to NFLPA General Counsel Richard Berthelsen, who represented Hutchinson at the hearing. Jones' contract now averages less than $7 million annually -- a move the Seahawks argued would allow them to match the offer sheet without triggering the clause. Jones' contract previously averaged $7.5 million a year.

But Burbank decided that the changes the Seahawks were attempting to make would have changed a principal term of the offer sheet.

The Seahawks instigated the dispute two days before they were required to match or pass on the Vikings' seven-year, $49 million offer sheet. The Seahawks were supposedly set to argue the legality of the so-called "poison pill" clause. If another player had a higher figure, the clause guarantees the entire $49 million contract, making it one of the richest deals in league history. The stipulation was inserted by Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, and agreed to by the Vikings, as a tool to prevent the Seahawks from matching the offer -- which is their right under the NFL's rules for transition players.

The powerful 6-5, 313-pound Hutchinson, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and the agile 6-5, 315-pound Jones helped lead Seattle to a 13-3 record and Super Bowl XL this past season.

I don't get this. I can accept teh calender NFL year argument but not this. Makes no sense.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

link

Arbitrator rules Vikings' original offer sheet to Hutchinson is valid

Seahawks have until 11 p.m. to match offer sheet

Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Last update: March 20, 2006 – 4:53 PM

The NFL announced Monday afternoon that the Seattle Seahawks can't change a principal term of the offer sheet signed by All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Seahawks have until 11 tonight CST to decide whether to match the offer sheet or allow Hutchinson to flee to the Vikings.

The Seahawks produced a surprise this morning during a hearing to determine the future of Hutchinson.

During a hearing in front of Stephen Burbank, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, the Seahawks did not argue the legality of a so-called "poison-pill" clause that would guarantee all of Hutchinson's $49 million offer sheet if he does not have the highest annual average salary of any offensive lineman on his team in 2006.

Instead, the Seahawks revealed they had renegotiated the contract of left tackle Walter Jones, according to NFLPA General Counsel Richard Berthelsen, who represented Hutchinson at the hearing. Jones' contract now averages less than $7 million annually -- a move the Seahawks argued would allow them to match the offer sheet without triggering the clause. Jones' contract previously averaged $7.5 million a year.

But Burbank decided that the changes the Seahawks were attempting to make would have changed a principal term of the offer sheet.

The Seahawks instigated the dispute two days before they were required to match or pass on the Vikings' seven-year, $49 million offer sheet. The Seahawks were supposedly set to argue the legality of the so-called "poison pill" clause. If another player had a higher figure, the clause guarantees the entire $49 million contract, making it one of the richest deals in league history. The stipulation was inserted by Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, and agreed to by the Vikings, as a tool to prevent the Seahawks from matching the offer -- which is their right under the NFL's rules for transition players.

The powerful 6-5, 313-pound Hutchinson, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and the agile 6-5, 315-pound Jones helped lead Seattle to a 13-3 record and Super Bowl XL this past season.

I don't get this. I can accept teh calender NFL year argument but not this. Makes no sense.

They said that chaning Jones' contract now changes the original offer sheet. That my understanding.

 

[DoctorDetroit]

link

Arbitrator rules Vikings' original offer sheet to Hutchinson is valid

Seahawks have until 11 p.m. to match offer sheet

Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Last update: March 20, 2006 – 4:53 PM

The NFL announced Monday afternoon that the Seattle Seahawks can't change a principal term of the offer sheet signed by All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Seahawks have until 11 tonight CST to decide whether to match the offer sheet or allow Hutchinson to flee to the Vikings.

The Seahawks produced a surprise this morning during a hearing to determine the future of Hutchinson.

During a hearing in front of Stephen Burbank, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, the Seahawks did not argue the legality of a so-called "poison-pill" clause that would guarantee all of Hutchinson's $49 million offer sheet if he does not have the highest annual average salary of any offensive lineman on his team in 2006.

Instead, the Seahawks revealed they had renegotiated the contract of left tackle Walter Jones, according to NFLPA General Counsel Richard Berthelsen, who represented Hutchinson at the hearing. Jones' contract now averages less than $7 million annually -- a move the Seahawks argued would allow them to match the offer sheet without triggering the clause. Jones' contract previously averaged $7.5 million a year.

But Burbank decided that the changes the Seahawks were attempting to make would have changed a principal term of the offer sheet.

The Seahawks instigated the dispute two days before they were required to match or pass on the Vikings' seven-year, $49 million offer sheet. The Seahawks were supposedly set to argue the legality of the so-called "poison pill" clause. If another player had a higher figure, the clause guarantees the entire $49 million contract, making it one of the richest deals in league history. The stipulation was inserted by Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, and agreed to by the Vikings, as a tool to prevent the Seahawks from matching the offer -- which is their right under the NFL's rules for transition players.

The powerful 6-5, 313-pound Hutchinson, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and the agile 6-5, 315-pound Jones helped lead Seattle to a 13-3 record and Super Bowl XL this past season.

I don't get this. I can accept teh calender NFL year argument but not this. Makes no sense.

They said that chaning Jones' contract now changes the original offer sheet. That my understanding.

Mort just said that it doesn't matter because Jones restructured and the Seahawks don't have to guarantee the money. He said the arbitrator ruling was acrimonious. So as it stands, Hutch will be back and we don't have to fork over the 49 mill.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

link

Arbitrator rules Vikings' original offer sheet to Hutchinson is valid

Seahawks have until 11 p.m. to match offer sheet

Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Last update: March 20, 2006 – 4:53 PM

The NFL announced Monday afternoon that the Seattle Seahawks can't change a principal term of the offer sheet signed by All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Seahawks have until 11 tonight CST to decide whether to match the offer sheet or allow Hutchinson to flee to the Vikings.

The Seahawks produced a surprise this morning during a hearing to determine the future of Hutchinson.

During a hearing in front of Stephen Burbank, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, the Seahawks did not argue the legality of a so-called "poison-pill" clause that would guarantee all of Hutchinson's $49 million offer sheet if he does not have the highest annual average salary of any offensive lineman on his team in 2006.

Instead, the Seahawks revealed they had renegotiated the contract of left tackle Walter Jones, according to NFLPA General Counsel Richard Berthelsen, who represented Hutchinson at the hearing. Jones' contract now averages less than $7 million annually -- a move the Seahawks argued would allow them to match the offer sheet without triggering the clause. Jones' contract previously averaged $7.5 million a year.

But Burbank decided that the changes the Seahawks were attempting to make would have changed a principal term of the offer sheet.

The Seahawks instigated the dispute two days before they were required to match or pass on the Vikings' seven-year, $49 million offer sheet. The Seahawks were supposedly set to argue the legality of the so-called "poison pill" clause. If another player had a higher figure, the clause guarantees the entire $49 million contract, making it one of the richest deals in league history. The stipulation was inserted by Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, and agreed to by the Vikings, as a tool to prevent the Seahawks from matching the offer -- which is their right under the NFL's rules for transition players.

The powerful 6-5, 313-pound Hutchinson, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and the agile 6-5, 315-pound Jones helped lead Seattle to a 13-3 record and Super Bowl XL this past season.

I don't get this. I can accept teh calender NFL year argument but not this. Makes no sense.

They said that chaning Jones' contract now changes the original offer sheet. That my understanding.

Mort just said that it doesn't matter because Jones restructured and the Seahawks don't have to guarantee the money. He said the arbitrator ruling was acrimonious. So as it stands, Hutch will be back and we don't have to fork over the 49 mill.

Well, not according to the article. Someone has their story wrong.