| QUOTE |
| Condon's[Hutchinson's agent] clause blind-sided the Seahawks, who intended to match any offer Hutchinson received when they designated their transition player last month. The provision said if Hutchinson was not the team's highest-paid offensive lineman, the entire $49 million becomes guaranteed. This was not going to be an issue for Minnesota -- the Vikings' offer sheet instantly made Hutchinson their highest-paid blocker. But the clause eventually priced Hutchinson out of Seattle. That's because left tackle Walter Jones had signed a $54.5 million, seven-year deal the previous spring -- richer than Hutchinson's offer sheet. Thus, the Seahawks would have had to guarantee all $49 million. That would have been $14.5 million more than the current record guarantee that two-time league MVP Peyton Manning has with Indianapolis. To no one's surprise, the Seahawks said, "No way." And Hutchinson became a guard with quarterback's money. |