The Seattle Seahawks and their second-round draft choice, wide receiver Golden Tate, have agreed to terms and conditions on a contract.

The news comes from Tate’s Twitter, which he posted on earlier today:

“Praise God!!! Terms and conditions have been reached for the seattle seahawks! Let’s play ball!”

While the team hasn’t announced the deal’s details, Brian McIntyre of Scout Network and Mac’s Football Blog reports that Tate is set to make $3.261 million with an additional $1 million coming via a signing bonus.  The rookie from Notre Dame will earn $1.471 million guaranteed.

Still unsigned are the Seahawks’ first-round choices, left tackle Russell Okung and safety Earl Thomas.

Tate and Seattle start training camp Saturday.

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For a team that’s tried for months to resuscitate itself via created competition, running back is one position that’s been in dire need.

It’s been four years since Seattle last had a 1000-yard rusher.  The team’s brought in the likes of Julius Jones, TJ Duckett and Edgerrin James in addition to resigning the franchise’s all-time leading rusher in Shaun Alexander and drafting Justin Forsett.  None of whom have provided the kind of returns on the Seahawks’ investments that the organization and its fans would have liked.  In fact, the production from Seattle’s leading rusher every season since 2005 has dwindled so much that the Seahawks haven’t had a running back eclipse the 700-yard mark in the past two seasons.

Enter new offensive line coach Alex Gibbs, known for his work with the prolific ground games in Atlanta from 2004-2006 and the Denver Broncos from 1995-2003, and a couple fresh running backs to battle returners Jones and Forsett in an effort to bring life back to one of the team’s most stagnant aspects.

In this installment of SeahawksGab’s Preseason Preview, Editor Devon Heinen breaks down the 2010-2011 Seattle running game. 

THE RETURNERS
Julius Jones
Sharing the running responsibilities during his days with the Dallas Cowboys, Julius Jones’ best games were against the Seahawks at Qwest Field.  In two games against Seattle, Jones rushed for 310 yards on 52 attempts and reached the end zone three times.  However, when the Notre Dame product inked a deal with Seattle, the jury was out.

Was Jones going to be able to produce like he did when he tore up the Qwest Field turf while wearing a star on his helmet?  Or was Seattle getting the running back that averaged just 3.6 yards per carry the year that he had been phased out in Dallas by a young Marion Barber?  Unfortunately for Seattle, the latter depiction has thus far proven to be the more accurate one.

In Jones’ second season with the Seahawks, he averaged 3.7 yards per rush, down from 4.4 yards per rush in his first year with them, and scored a paltry two times while leading the team in rushing.  Yes Seahawks fans, Julius Jones, not Justin Forsett, led your team in rushing this past season.

What does the 2010-2011 season have in store for Jones?  A similar role to the one he had in his final year with the Cowboys.  He’ll continue to get touches, but look for him to be phased out in favor of Justin Forsett or a player acquired via trade during training camp.

Prediction: 150-plus carries, but less than 200 for 500 yards and 3 touchdowns 

Justin Forsett
Despite his lack of height, Justin Forsett’s been the darling of Seahawks fans since 2008, his first season in a Seattle uniform.

After spending his first two seasons in the National Football League doing special teams work, the 5-foot-8 Forsett tallied his first-ever offensive touches in 2009.  With the opportunity Forsett shined, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, totaling six runs of 20 yards or more and four touchdowns.  What’s more, he finished sixth overall in running backs in yards after contact per attempt with 3.2 yards, outperforming Beanie Wells, Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson.

Glowing geports out of Seattle’s Renton, Wash. training facilities this offseason point to Forsett becoming the team’s focal point out of the backfield.  Should Seattle opt to not go out and acquire a true workhorse during training camp for the team’s stable of running backs, expect big totals for Forsett.

Prediction: 250+ total offensive touches (rushes and catches combined) for 1000 yards from scrimmage and 5 offensive touchdowns 

Louis Rankin
Injuries to Seattle’s running backs sent Louis Rankin from the team’s practice squad to the playing field on game days, where he carried the football eight times in 2009.

Don’t expect much from Rankin in a Seahawks uniform this season, as he is a long shot to make the team.

Prediction: Cut from roster prior to Week One. 

THE NEWCOMERS
LenDale White
LenDale White was brought in during the 2010 NFL Draft to make a difference; however, he never left his mark on the field, as he was let go by the team in late May. 

Leon Washington
Like White, Leon Washington was picked up in a draft-day trade during the 2010 Draft.  Unlike White, Washington’s still with the team, though the former New York Jet is still recovering from a broken leg.  It remains to be seen how available he’ll be during Seattle’s preseason.

If Washington’s leg doesn’t limit him this season, he could be used by new head coach Pete Carroll as a complimentary piece to Justin Forsett out of the backfield since Washington and Forsett are similar in style of play and size to each other.  Where Washington could make his presence felt the most for Seattle is in the team’s kick and return games, something he’s been excellent at in the past with the Jets.

Prediction: Less than 50 offensive touches, but 20 total returns in special teams 

Quinton Ganther
Quinton Ganther was brought in during the offseason to help fuel competition after spending 2009 with the Washington  Redskins; however, don’t expect Ganther to make the final roster, as he should find himself lower on the depth chart than Louis Rankin.

Prediction: Cut from roster prior to Week One. 

THE TWIST?
Marshawn Lynch
Throughout the piece there’s been hints about Seattle possibly picking up another running back prior to the start of the regular season.  Should Seattle do that, look for the Seahawks to make a deal with the Buffalo Bills for Marshawn Lynch.

Seattle’s been linked to Lynch dating back to the 2010 Draft, but, according to reports, Seattle didn’t want to part with what Buffalo was asking for in return for the former Pro Bowl running back.

I don’t see Seattle coughing up the kind of draft picks Buffalo has been reportedly asking for, although if a trade were to take place Seattle would have the kind of workhorse needed to produce consistently not only this year but down the road as well.

Prediction: Seattle sticks with what it has on its roster and addresses its need at the position via the 2011 NFL Draft.

Can’t get enough SeahawksGab?  Follow Devon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen.

When Seattle opens the 2010 National Football League season against the San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks will have another new face.

According to a report by the St. Petersburg Times and confirmed by the Los Angeles Times, Seahawks Chief Executive Officer Tod Leiweke will leave the organization to take the same position for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League.  The confirmation story adds that Leiweke will become part owner of the hockey team.

Leiweke has been with the Seahawks since 2003.

For those of you who cannot wait for the Seahawks to start its training camp in four days, CBS Sports took a look at Seattle’s biggest camp questions.

Make sure to check back here at SeahawksGab tonight and over at the Twitter of SeahawkGab Editor’s Devon Heinen later today for another installment of his preseason preview.  Today he’ll take a look at the running back situation.

Already facing a one-game suspension for violating the National Football League’s policy on substance abuse, Seattle linebacker Leroy Hill was in court Wednesday for a misdemeanor charge of assault/domestic violence.

Seattle Times‘ Seahawks beat writer Danny O’Neil noted that Hill will be back in court Friday to “determine readiness for a trial, which could begin as early as next week.”

Whether Hill will see additional league punishment for his latest actions remains to be seen.

The NFC West seems to be the least intriguing and most predictable division to forecast.  Mike Singletary’s 49ers are prime to take over Arizona’s reign atop the standings.   It would be the first time in doing so since 2002.  San Francisco certainly should accomplish this feat, likely being crowned best as soon as early November.

As for Arizona, Seattle, and St. Louis they may be better off served hitting the fast forward button on their remotes, seeking the opportunity to take an early sneak peek ahead toward New York City’s Radio City Music Hall come mid-April.  Call it what you want but call it, this division could be over before it even gets started.

San Francisco (12-4) – Can you name any other team that’s more sure of a lock to wrap up their division before Thanksgiving?  Could this be the most anticipated season since the Steve Mariucci Era?  Things are looking up for the Bay Area fans, and deservedly so, seeing the expectations are as high as they’ve ever been in almost a decade.  And why not, considering S.F. has the top LB, a feisty leader and excellent example calling the shots, and one of the most electrifying trios on the offensive side of the rock, you can only wonder and ask yourself, “Could this be “the year”?”

What’s not to like?  They upgraded an average offensive line via draft, Alex Smith looks the part, and they participate in possibly the weakest division. Niners faithful may even become hard-pressed to find a ticket entering winter at Candlestick!  Things are definitely looking up.

Arizona (5-11) – The post-Kurt Warner days begin, insert Matt Leinart -stay tuned.  With the retirement of Warner, you can clearly see why more questions than answers arise approaching camp.  Yet the main cause for concern could translate over into a balanced offensive attack, a new change of identity for Ken Whisenhunt’s group.  Chris “Beanie” Wells and Tim Hightower lead the ground gang and will likely be seeing more opportunities to make their presence known and stamp their impact on a Leinart-led offense.  Larry Fitzgerald still remains, however, he will be without his exclusive partner in crime Anquan Boldin.  Could we see trouble generating points in the Desert?  Finding the end zone could be the equivalent to finding a diamond in the rough for a squad two years removed from representing the NFC.

So if that proves true, the defense, already minus Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle,  may be under a tremendous amount of pressure to help balance out the team’s fortunes and success.  In essence, I’m unsure if they are fully prepared and quite ready yet to embrace the challenge which is set and presented before them.   And who knows if they’ll be able to take on the treacherous task of stepping outside new boundaries with such short notice.  Fully grasp yourselves for change, albeit a sad one, Cardinals fans.

Seattle (5-11) – Good news: It’s all possible Justin Forsett could have himself a Ray Rice type of season.  Bad news: When Justin Forsett is your most reliable weapon on offense you’re in bad shape.  While you’re at it, don’t bank on the good news coming to fruition, its just a possibility.  It just seems like a rebuilding year is inevitable for the proud supporters of the team with the most eccentric uniforms.  Undoubtedly the 12th man will still be on display, yet nonetheless, it begs to question: Will Pete Carroll give the fans a product worthy of cheer?

Matt Hasselbeck is always hurt and has seen better days, constant whispers and rumors of the mega-hyped Terrell Owens bug the team and surround the organization, and Charlie Whitehurst is being looked at as the heir apparent at QB.   Not good news for a franchise that used to be a guaranteed lock come fall for NFC West dominance.   Supremacy has past, the new era for mediocrity has just begun.  Why won’t it be a rebuilding year in Seattle?

St. Louis (2-14) – Once upon a time they were considered one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams to watch.  The darlings of football, a team anyone would love to see on TV -the casual fan, the kids, the wives.  Who wouldn’t want to witness “The Greatest Show On Turf”?  Ponder that era of aerial excitement and scintillating sensational fireworks for just a split-second, and then return to earth, back to reality.  You know its another down year for the Rams when everyone and their brother is fretting about whether or not to draft Steven Jackson because of the team he’s suits up for on Sunday.  One moment he’s the second coming of Eric Dickerson, the next moment he’s the remix of Ricky Williams because of the unreliability factor.  It’s not good when Jackson is the player whom the Rams count on and come to expect big things from, week in and week out.

If Spagnuolo and staff can’t rely on their so-called superstar and face of the franchise, then who can they rely on?  Rookie 1st overall pick Sam Bradford?  QB, yet another position where you don’t know what will happen and what to expect.  Defensively, a slew of holes are clearly evident, and you can be sure a plethora of points will be allowed.  An abundance of more reasons can be produced to why this team will be once again owners of the #1 selection in next year’s draft -and that’s the one thing you can expect from this team chalk-full of non-expectancies.

Cross out Seattle on T.O.’s list of potential 2011 destinations.

In an interview on 710 ESPN Seattle, via ProFootballTalk.com, head coach Pete Carroll said that the Seahawks won’t pursue the one-time San Francisco, Baltimore (he was traded there…remember?), Philadelphia, Dallas and Buffalo head ache (my words, not Carroll’s).

Instead, Carroll said Seattle would “continue to work with the guys we’ve got and be in a ‘different direction.’”

Seattle’s conglomerate of wideouts currently include T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Deon Butler, Golden Tate, Mike Williams and seven others.

Can’t get enough SeahawksGab?  Follow Devon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen.

Despite Seattle’s misfortunes the past two seasons, fantasy team owners shouldn’t leave the Seahawks for dead come Draft Day.

Sunday I wrote how CBSsports.com’ Senior Fantasy Writer, Jamey Eisenberg tabbed Seattle’s Justin Forsett as a sleeper, T.J. Houshmandzadeh as a bounce-back candidate and Golden Tate as a keeper league target.

Today it’s my turn.  In 12-team standard scoring leagues, here’s who you should consider picking up when you’re on the clock. 

BREAKOUT PLAYER
Justin Forsett: Who isn’t singing the running back’s praises this offseason?  It’s for this reason why he’s not my sleeper.  Reports out of camp are that Forsett are doing everything necessary to supplant Seattle’s current starter Julius Jones and, when coupling those reports with last year’s statistics, fantasy owners should expect the kind of production from the 5-foot-8 back that would make him a quality RB2.

While Forsett’s 619 yards on 114 carries (an average of 7.1 yards per carry), 41 receptions and five total touchdowns last season are impressive, especially since he started just twice, there’s a stat that might go overlooked that really sheds light on what kind of a season the running back had last season and what could be expected from him this season.

Forsett ranked sixth out of all running backs in the National Football League last season in yards after contact per attempt with 3.2 yards.  Forsett’s elusiveness is not an epiphany, but when you find out that he outperformed Beanie Wells, Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson – all players that will go higher than the Seahawks’ running back in fantasy drafts this season – you have to think that Forsett will produce once again this year. 

SLEEPER
T.J. Houshmandzadeh: Despite hauling in 13 less receptions and one less touchdown, Houshmandzadeh didn’t have that bad of a season last year.  In fact, despite recording ‘just’ 79 receptions in 2009 compared to 92 in 2008 with Cincinnati, Houshmandzadeh gained seven more yards last year (911) than he did in his final one as a Bengal (904).  It’s this reason why I don’t view him as having a down season last year and that he’s sleeper worthy this season instead of a “bounce-back candidate”.

Factor in new head coach Pete Carroll recently telling NFL.com that quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is “in the best shape of his career and ready to have a great season” and it’s not hard to believe that Seattle’s top receiving option is in line for a 1000-plus receiving yard year.  He won’t get you a ton of touchdowns though since tight end John Carlson and Justin Forsett could vulture red-zone looks, but Houshmandzadeh should shape up to be more than a serviceable WR3 with the possibility of becoming a low-grade WR2 depending on matchups. 

KEEPER-LEAGUE TARGET
Mike Williams: Before I begin, I’ll let you clean up the coffee you probably just spit out from laughing upon reading that the first-round bust’s name is a player with fantasy relevancy.

Like Justin Forsett, reports from Seattle’s offseason workouts have been glowing for the wide receiver.  Those reports indicate that the wideout is slimmer, in excellent shape and knows that this is quite possibly his last chance of playing in the NFL if he doesn’t right his personal ship.

The installation of Williams into the Seahawks’ offense has provided quarterback Matt Hasselbeck a big body to snatch balls out of the air, something Seattle hasn’t had the luxury of having for quite some time.  While Williams is a gamble, he’s worth a late-round flyer and being stashed on your bench in case his offseason hype, granted in what will probably be a small role this season, comes to fruition and can be parlayed into something special next season. 

OTHER NAMES TO MENTION
Here are a few names also worth looking into as either players to draft or as waiver-wire pickups sometime during the season:
-John Carlson (TE)
-Olindo Mare (K)
-Matt Hasselbeck (QB)

Can’t get enough SeahawksGab?  Follow Devon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen.

As players around the country prepare for another season in the National Football League, football fans are preparing also.

Fantasy football, the international phenomena that’s continuously taken football fandom to new heights, is starting to heat up once again as fans prep draft sheets and strategies to see if they have what it takes to piece together the best team in the fantasy universe.

Over at CBSsports.com, Senior Fantasy Writer Jamey Eisenberg is in the midst of helping fantasy owners with his in-depth 32-team breakdown of the NFL’s choice players and the ones that should be avoided on fantasy Draft Day.

In his analysis of the 2011 Seattle Seahawks, Eisenberg tabbed running back Justin Forsett as the team’s fantasy sleeper, wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh as the team’s bounce-back candidate and wideout Golden Tate as the player fantasy team owners should look at in keeper leagues.

On Forsett, Eisenberg said:

The Seahawks will open training camp with Julius Jones as the starting running back, but Forsett will eventually see the majority of carries. He has to if Seattle wants its best players on the field. Last year, Forsett had 114 carries for 619 yards (an impressive 5.4 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. He also added 41 catches for 350 yards and a touchdown, and he’s a candidate for 1,200 total yards and seven touchdowns. We consider Forsett the best offensive player in Seattle, and he should be drafted as a No. 3 Fantasy running back with a mid-round pick. But don’t be surprised if Forsett is starting for you by the end of the season because he has potential to be a star.

Eisenberg writes that Houshmandzadeh’s worth a mid-round pick:

Houshmandzadeh will look to improve in his second year with Seattle this season. Last year, Houshmandzadeh finished with 79 catches for 911 yards and three touchdowns, his lowest stat totals in each category since 2004. He said he played last year with broken ribs and had surgery this offseason to repair a hernia, so hopefully he’s healthy. We expect Houshmandzadeh to play better this year, but he’s no longer an elite Fantasy option. He’ll have big weeks at times — he had three games with double digits in Fantasy points in 2009 — but those won’t be the norm for Houshmandzadeh.

We view Housh as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy option. He’s still good enough to start in deeper leagues since he’s the No. 1 target in Seattle, but this passing game has a lot to be desired. Take Houshmandzadeh with a mid-round pick after the top-tier wide receivers are off the board.

On Tate:

Tate could end up being useful in seasonal leagues since the Seahawks need playmakers, and Tate was a star in college at Notre Dame. He’ll likely end up starting this season opposite Houshmandzadeh once he outplays Deion Branch, but the passing game in Seattle has a lot to be desired. You’re probably not going to draft Tate in the majority of formats, but he should be drafted with a mid-round pick in keeper leagues. He could end up being a solid contributor in the near future.

Monday, I’ll put my fantasy hat on and provide my take on who fantasy owners should look at and steer clear of when fantasy Draft Day comes this NFL preseason.

Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill will miss the season opener after being suspended by the NFL on Friday for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Hill will miss the Seahawks season opener against San Francisco on September 12th. His suspension without pay also includes forfeiting an additional game check.

Hill can participate in all preseason practices and games. His suspension begins on Sept. 4 and will be eligible to return Sept. 13 following the Seahawks’ opener against San Francisco.

The suspension stems from Hill’s arrested in January 2009 in Georgia for misdemeanor marijuana possession. He received 12 months probation through a plea agreement that was settled earlier this spring.

Hill is still facing possible prosecution for his arrest in the Seattle suburb of Issaquah in April for investigation of domestic violence. Now entering his sixth NFL season, Hill has pleaded not guilty and has a July 23 jury call in the case with the prosecutor likely to ask for a trial date.

Since being drafted by the Seahawks in 2005, Hill has started 61 of his 67 career games. His best year came in 2006 when Hill had 92 tackles. Last year, he was limited to just 11 games and 46 tackles due to a torn groin.