Seahawks suspend talks with Jones

[MrRant 0]

CHENEY, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks have suspended contract talks with franchise player Walter Jones, a team spokesman said Sunday.

 

Because the Seahawks placed the franchise tag on the offensive tackle in February, the front office wouldn't be able to use it again on another player during the length of any long-term contract Jones might sign.

 

Coach and former general manager Mike Holmgren said he wouldn't get involved in any contract negotiations.

 

"I'm coaching the guys that are here," Holmgren said. "Whatever happens on that deal ... I try and worry about the things I have control over."

 

If Jones agreed to a one-year contract for 2003, he would earn $5.73 million, an average of the NFL's five highest-paid offensive linemen. That also would allow the Seahawks to discuss a long-term deal while keeping the franchise tag open.

 

For every game he missed due to the negotiations during the 17-week season, Jones would lose 1/17 of the $5.73 million.

 

Team officials would not discuss how much money they have offered, although some reports have placed their long-term offers in the range of $6 million a year with a signing bonus as high as $14 million.

 

Jones' agent, Roosevelt Barnes, did not return a phone message left at his office.

 

The six-year veteran missed training camp last year because of contract negotiations and didn't report until the third week of the season when Seattle was 0-2. He started the remaining 14 games and earned his third Pro Bowl appearance, though he couldn't play in the game because of shoulder surgery.

 

Jones played with a one-year, $4.92 million contract last season, hoping the Seahawks later would offer a long-term contract.

 

Team officials want him to sign a one-year deal.