The Seattle Seahawks began the process of re-signing key, soon-to-be free agents by inking offensive lineman Breno Giacomini to a multi-year deal.
Giacomini was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 13. According to NFL Players Association records Giacomini signed a two-year deal, and will make base salaries of $1.5 million in the upcoming season and $3 million 2013.
According to NFL salary cap specialist Brian McIntyre of Football Outsiders, Giacomini also received a $1.5 million signing bonus.
Giacomini, 26, indicated in January that he wanted to remain in Seattle.
“I want to be here,” he said at the time. “I like the way this is headed. I like (Seattle offensive line coach Tom) Cable and the offensive staff and Pete (Carroll), so hopefully I’m here next year.”
A fifth round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2008 out of Louisville, the Seahawks signed him off of the Packers’ practice squad to the active roster in September 2010. He did not appear in a game for Seattle that season.
But Giacomini proved he could be a contributor as a starter in 2011, starting the last seven games at right tackle when rookie James Carpenter went down with a season-ending knee injury.
Giacomini also started the season opener at San Francisco because Carpenter moved to left guard with veteran Robert Gallery out with a sprained knee. And Giacomini served as a blocking tight end in short-yardage situations.
Giacomini provides Seattle insurance should Carpenter not be ready to return to the field by the beginning of training camp in July. Giacomini said he appreciated getting the game experience so he could watch his tape during the offseason.
“It’s huge,” Giacomini said. “I’m going to take all the games with me, and study them. And study some of these other tackles that made the Pro Bowl and see where there at.
“It’s just going to big to have this offseason where you can see yourself on film, so that’s big. And then to keep learning and keep growing as an offense.”
Giacomini is the first Seattle player re-signed by the team so far this offseason, adding stability to an offensive line that finished with three starters on the injured reserve list last season – Carpenter, Russell Okung and John Moffitt.
The Seahawks have 22 free agents – 17 unrestricted, three restricted and two exclusive rights free agents. Re-signing running back Marshawn Lynch and defensive end Red Bryant remain priorities for the Seahawks leading up to the beginning of free agency in early March.
Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437 Eric.wiliams@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks
