--OLB Julian Peterson was acquired by the Lions, who sent DT Cory Redding and a fifth-round draft pick to the Seahawks. It's a swap of expensive contracts: Redding signed a seven-year, $47.8 million deal two years ago, while Peterson is three years into a seven-year, $54 million deal of his own. Peterson, who is due to make more than $6.5 million and count $8.8 million against the salary cap next season, declined taking a pay cut in Seattle, according to ESPN.com. He's expected to provide a much-needed outside pass-rushing presence for the Lions. Peterson was held to five sacks last season, but recorded a combined 19.5 in the two previous years.
--Count Seattle linebacker Leroy Hill among the fans of his team's recent signing of free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Hill believes his team's newest receiver will create problems for opposing defenses next season.
"It's going to be real difficult," Hill said during an interview with Seattle-area radio station KJR 950-AM. "I mean bringing Nate Burleson back, we still got Deion (Branch) and then T.J., it's going to be difficult, and including John Carlson on the field, too. So when we go three wide receivers with the tight end set it's going to be very difficult for some defenses to match up."
--The details of recently re-signed offensive lineman Ray Willis' contract have been made available. Willis signed a two-year deal worth $6 million. It includes a $1 million signing bonus, a $1 million roster bonus each year, and base salaries of $1 million in 2009 and $2 million in 2010. Willis also could earn another $500,000 in possible incentives.
--Even though he held up a No. 18 jersey during the press conference introducing him as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh still could be wearing a new number when the season begins. Houshmandzadeh hasn't ruled out switching numbers. He said it depends on the status of veteran receiver Bobby Engram, who is an unrestricted free agent and may not return to the team. Engram visited Kansas City but left without signing a contract.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm thankful for it. Like I said, I'd rather get a long-term deal done because I'd like to be in Seattle for the rest of my career. But we couldn't reach an agreement pretty much by the deadline, so I mean, it was a choice that we had to do, or whatever. But you know, I don't mind it. It's one more year, and we'll be in the same situation next year unless we can reach an agreement." -- Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill on receiving the franchise tag from Seattle.
