Nate Burleson headed to Seattle

[texan279]

LINK (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5462192)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A unique fight over restricted free agents between Seattle and Minnesota ended Friday when the Vikings chose not to match the Seahawks' contract offer to receiver Nate Burleson.

Vikings vice president for football operations Rob Brzezinski confirmed the decision, which allowed Burleson to join his hometown team.

"This is a dream come true for Nate," his agent, Ken Sarnoff, said. "That seven years after being named the Seattle High School athlete of the year, he now plays for the Seahawks."

Burleson signed an offer sheet last week for a seven-year contract worth up to $49 million, including $5.25 million guaranteed. In response to a similar tactic Minnesota used to sign All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson to an offer sheet earlier this month, Seattle put a pair of provisions in the deal that would make it impractical for the Vikings to match.

If Burleson plays at least five games in the state of Minnesota or if his annual salary average is more than the average of his team's highest-paid running back, then the entire $49 million would be guaranteed.

[TexanFan881]

The contract is ridiculous, considering he is probably going to be a #2 behind Darrell Jackson. I'm glad we didn't get into that mess.

[AtheGreat]

no joke. someone needs to give burleson's agent a pat on the back or something, thats a sick contract. I agree, there is nooo way we could've hung in there with Seattle and Minn.'s little feud. Well, at least it'll make good football if they play each other...

[texan279]

from www.kffl.com

Vikings | Brzezinski calls Seattle offer sheet a sham
Fri, 31 Mar 2006 21:14:12 -0800

Jeff Zulgad, of the Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski called the Seattle Seahawks offer sheet that was accepted by WR Nate Burleson and not matched by the Vikings a sham. "There is a vast difference between our deal and Burleson's," said Brzezinski. "The Hutchinson (OG Steve Hutchinson) deal is of legitimate benefit to the player. He has a contract with us where it could vest; the Seattle deal is a total sham, and the trigger is a sham." The Vikings considered challenging the Seahawks offer due to the poison pills contained in it, but they decided not to. While Hutchinson's deal will guarantee him $16 million, Burleson is assured $5.25 million. In reality, his contract will be worth $14.5 million over four years. Brzezinski said the Vikings offered Burleson more money than what Seattle gave him, but it was clear Burleson wanted to play in Seattle.

[TexanFan881]

The Vikings got burned in this deal.