Seahawks Add Zach Miller; Marc Bulger Retires

Added on Aug 03, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Last week’s free agent bonanza has quieted to a dull roar, but teams are still making moves as the first preseason games edge closer. Yesterday, the Seahawks continued their roster makeover by adding Pro Bowl tight end Zach Miller, formerly of the Raiders. Miller gets a 5-year, $34 million contract with $17 million guaranteed.

Miller will join ex-Raiders offensive lineman Robert Gallery and head coach Tom Cable in the Emerald City. He earned his first Pro Bowl in 2010 after catching 60 balls for 685 yards and five touchdowns. In four seasons with Oakland, he amassed 226 receptions for 2,712 yards and 12 scores.

The 25-year-old was the Raiders most reliable receiving threat for the last three seasons. He brings excellent size and speed, and is a dangerous target over the middle. Along with All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, Miller becomes the latest big name player to exit the Black Hole.

Seattle might not be getting the same hype as the Eagles and Patriots, but thus far they have utilized free agency to upgrade their roster significantly. In addition to Miller and Gallery, Pete Carroll has brought aboard wideout Sidney Rice, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and resigned defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, cornerback Kelly Jennings and linebacker Leroy Hill.

However, overcoming the loss of Matt Hasselbeck won’t be easy. Jackson will battle Charlie Whitehurst for the staring gig. Neither inspires greatness, although the NFC West is once again up for grabs.

In retirement news, quarterback Marc Bulger has called it quits. The 34-year-old spent last season backing up Joe Flacco in Baltimore, but didn’t garner much interest as a starter on the free agent market. In ten seasons, he passed for 22,814 yards, 122 touchdowns and 93 interceptions. His best year came in 2006 when he threw for 4,301 yards, 24 touchdowns and only eight picks.

Bulger inked a lucrative $62 million deal with the Rams deal prior to the 2007 season, but never lived up to the payday, suffering various injuries and performing well below expectations. From 2007-2009, he totaled 26 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.

Source: NFL.com