After signing former third-string quarterback Josh Portis, 25, last week, the Seahawks have scheduled a busy week of auditions for four veteran journeyman quarterbacks to be Russell Wilson’s new backup after trading Matt Flynn, according to USA Today.
Matt Leinart, who won the 2004 Heisman Trophy at USC when the Seahawks’ Pete Carroll coached the Trojans, and Brady Quinn are coming to a two-day workout at the club’s Renton headquarters. Also invited are Seneca Wallace, a former Seahawks backup under coach Mike Holmgren, and Tyler Thigpen. The club made no announcement, but USA Today said several sources confirmed the visits.
Leinart, 29, the 10th overall pick in 2006, has been largely a bust with three NFL teams — Arizona, Houston and Oakland. He has started only twice since the beginning of 2008.
Quinn, 28, a former Notre Dame star, also has been with three teams — Cleveland, Denver and Kansas City, where he had eight starts last season and threw two touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Wallace, 32, was the Seahawks’ fourth-round pick in 2003 and made 14 starts in relief of Matt Hasselbeck before he was dealt to the Cleveland Browns in 2010, at the behest of then-team president Holmgren. Wallace started seven games for Cleveland over the next two seasons combined but was cut at the end of the preseason last year. Wallace’s ability to run, as well as be a wildcat quarterback, is seen as a close fit with Wilson’s skills.
Thigpen, 29 this week, ran an option offense in college at Coastal Carolina and has decent speed. Thigpen has averaged 5.9 yards per carry over his six-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.
A former seventh-round pick of the Bills, Thigpen started only one game in the past four seasons. He started 11 games for the Chiefs down the stretch in 2008 and threw for 2,608 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions that season.
2 Comments
Tebow out of the picture?
You can’t workout a player that is currently with another team