Hunter signs 3-year deal,
reports to Seahawks camp
Former Hawaii offensive lineman Wayne Hunter has agreed to a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks and has already checked into camp, Hunter's agent, Kenny Zuckerman, said yesterday.
Hunter, a third-round draft choice who started for one year at left tackle at UH after two seasons as a defensive lineman at Hawaii and California, came away with a contract worth just under $1.45 million. He gets about half the money in his first year, between signing bonuses and base salary, Zuckerman said.
The agent said Hunter's deal is rare for a third-rounder, in that there is no "split language" in the contract -- which means the Radford alumnus stays at his higher pay scale even if placed on injured reserve during his rookie season.
Hunter has a chance to fight for a starting position through most of camp and should get ample playing time during the preseason, Zuckerman said. Three-time Pro Bowler Walter Jones is expected to hold out, then slide into the starting spot at left tackle sometime before the regular season begins.
With a strong preseason, Hunter could solidify a job as Seattle's first backup at tackle.
"Wayne has a great opportunity and he's in a great situation and I know he's looking forward to camp," Zuckerman said.
Zuckerman also represents Arizona and Kamehameha alum Makoa Freitas. The agent said negotiations between the sixth-round choice and the Indianapolis Colts are progressing. "He should be done soon," Zuckerman said.
