For better or worse, the first years of the Pete Carroll era in Seattle will be defined by Charlie Whitehurst.
ESPN’s John Clayton reports that the Seahawks have obtained Whitehurst, a restricted free agent, from the Chargers. Seattle will move down 20 picks in the second round of the 2010 draft and give up a third-round pick in 2011 to get San Diego’s third-string quarterback.
But that’s not the costly part.
The Seahawks have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with Whitehurst that is expected to pay him $5 million-per-year. Yikes.
It’s a huge gamble considering Whitehurst has not attempted a regular season pass as a pro. But he should fairly soon with that contract.
Give Carroll and G.M. John Schneider credit for targeting their guy and having the cajones to go get him. They just better be right.
UPDATE: We looked at the questions raised by this bold move, such as Matt Hasselbeck’s future.