KIRKLAND, Wash. (Feb. 22, 2005) -- The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to a six-year deal and named running back Shaun Alexander their franchise player, ensuring that their three top offensive players are under their control.
In addition, general manager Bob Ferguson resigned as part of an executive house-cleaning.
Terms of Hasselbeck's deal were not immediately available. The franchise designation for Alexander -- who came within one yard of the NFL rushing title last season -- prevents him from becoming a free agent, grants him a one-year contract worth about $6.3 million and gives the team until March 16 to try to reach a long-term deal.
Last week, the Seahawks signed all-pro offensive tackle Walter Jones to a seven-year.
A Pro Bowl selection in 2003, Hasselbeck battled injuries in 2004 and his numbers suffered. He threw for 3,382 yards and 22 touchdowns, down from 3,841 yards and 26 TDs in 2003.
Alexander rushed for a team record 1,696 yards and 20 TDs.
After a 3-0 start that seemed to validate preseason forecasts of a Super Bowl run, the Seahawks lost several tough games and finished 9-7 last season, good enough to win the weak NFC West. They lost to St. Louis in the first round of the playoffs.
