Doug Baldwin and Seahawks Closing in on Deal
The Seattle Seahawks went into the 2014 NFL offseason knowing they needed to address their passing game. They traded for an explosive, versatile weapon in Percy Harvin last year, but he and Sidney Rice both struggle immensely to stay healthy. Add in the departure of the steady Golden Tate, and wide receiver was a bigger need than ever.
That’s why bringing back the underrated Doug Baldwin is a bigger deal than many think it is. According to reports, the free agent wide receiver and the Seahawks “have gotten closer to a deal”.
The two sides have been going back and forth in negotiations for over a month now, but have yet to come to an agreement. Baldwin is apparently fine with signing his one-year, $2.187 million tender, but the ‘Hawks prefer to lock him up for the long-term.
The why on both sides is obvious Baldwin enjoyed a solid 51-catch rookie season and then saw his role diminish significantly in 2012. He did jump back up to 50 receptions again last season, but Baldwin is clearly worried about his future role with the team, as well as getting the best deal.
He could get himself into a sticky situation if he signs a long deal on the cheap, and then ultimately becomes a leading receiver that requires more money. On the flip-side, with his desire for a bigger, more concrete role, he could be signing on for the long haul with no guarantee as to how much playing time he’ll see.
For Seattle, locking down a solid talent on the cheap for the next several years is where it’s at. They’d have a win-win, as Baldwin could help out as a complement to Harvin and Rice if he stays healthy, or he could step up and be a starter if they got hurt (as they always do).
While Baldwin would probably prefer big money and a guaranteed role, he’s not really in major demand right now. Look for him to sign a moderate long-term deal and take over the departed Tate’s old role.
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