Peyton is not the answer

Seattle should not pursue Peyton Manning.

Although he is indisputably among the best quarterbacks ever to play the game, his ability to continue to perform at that level is dubious. When the Indianapolis Colts cut ties with the player who has defined them for more than a decade, that means he's damaged goods.

Pete Carroll and John Schneider jettisoned Matt Hasselbeck--despite his Pro Bowl pedigree--because his age, susceptibility to injury, and relative lack of mobility made him vulnerable behind our patchwork offensive line.

How, then, does it make sense to sign an older, less mobile quarterback with an even more alarming history of injury? What are the odds that his performance would justify the cost in cash and draft picks?


Seattle should shop for affordable free agents to compete for the starting slot. Among the multitude on the market are many capable quarterbacks worthy of consideration, including:

David Carr (NYG)
A.J. Feeley (STL)
Matt Flynn (GB)
David Garrard (FA)
Shaun Hill (DET)
Josh McCown (CHI)
Kyle Orton (KC) 
Chris Redman (ATL)
Sage Rosenfels (MIA)
Charlie Whitehurst (SEA)


This is what economists would call a buyer's market.

Seattle can find better value and more viable starters in free agency than the team is likely to obtain through the draft, where the strongest quarterbacks go early, and teams pay dearly for uncertain prospects.

The Seahawks should use the draft to shore up other positions.

Getting an affordable quarterback will free up money to re-sign Red Bryant, the linchpin to our defense.

That move would complement the wisdom of inking a long-term deal with Marshawn Lynch, the heart and soul of our offense.

I will miss Marcus Trufant. Given his recent injury history and the strength of our young secondary, I understand the cold reasoning behind the decision, but it was a graceless way to end a relationship with one of the finest defensive backs in team history.