Seattle SPORTs Now 3/10

In the first day of NFL free-agency the Seattle Seahawks lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who signed a three-year $45 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Also leaving the Seahawks are pass rusher Boye Mafe who’ll receive $60 mil. for three years from the Cincinnati Bengals and defensive back Cobe Bryant, who inked a three-year $40 million deal with the Chicago Bears. The Seahawks re-signed one player that day, cornerback Joshua Jobe.

On paper, it appears that Maye and Bryant got better deals than Walker, who no doubt is the player Seahawk fans are most sorry to lose, but running backs, because of the physical beating they take, generally have much shorter careers (and are leading candidates to be permanently injured before a long-term contract would expire).

Some good news for the Seahawk Nation was the resigning of wide receiver/kick return specialist Rashid Shaheed over the weekend who agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract to remain with the Seahawks. The deal includes $34.7 million in guaranteed money, making him a key part of the Seahawks' offense and special teams. 

In news that might interest University of Washington fans, the Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Tui Tagovailoa. Former Huskie Michael Pennix Jr. was the Falcons’ starting QB last year before an ACL injury brought his season to an early close. Since Tui was signed to only a one-year deal, it’s expected he’ll be the Atlanta QB in 2026. Of course, with Tagovailoa, concussions are always a possibility.

As someone who grew up on baseball, the first day of free agency signings may be another sign that Americans are more fascinated with the pigskin than what’s supposed to be our national pastime.

In baseball, there’s an expectation that certain teams like the world champion Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York teams (the Mets made the most offseason moves this year) will make the biggest splash while teams like the White Sox or the Rockies won’t make much noise.

In football, the top players aren’t necessarily scooped up by the same few teams. Some analysts had the Baltimore Ravens, who did make a cameo appearance in last year’s as the early winners when they acquired defensive lineman Maxx Crosby, but even then, had to part with two first round draft choices.

The NFL in many ways is a socialist system, with a salary cap and shared TV revenues. And that seems to be just fine with owners and a lot of fans.

Bobby McCann’s journey

The Seattle Kraken acquired Bobby McMann at the trade deadline last Friday but the forward was not in the lineup Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. According to the Kraken website, McMann can’t play until his visa papers are completed.

Perhaps immigration authorities thought that McMann was a member of the Cuban baseball team currently competing in the World Baseball Classic. They arrived in Arizona last week to play some exhibition tuneups with the Cincinnati Reds and the Kansas City Royals, but eight Cuban players ran into visa problems.

The 29-year-old was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2026 . McMann, who scored 20 goals last season for the Leafs had 19 at the trade deadline. McMann has been working out with the Kraken at their Northgate practice facility.

McCann’s a speedy, winger who can play all three forward positions. The Alberta native was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award presented to the top college player while attending Colgate.

“He's got a lot of speed,” said Kraken coach Lane Lambert, who was the associate coach with the Maple Leafs last season. ``And he can shoot the puck. It doesn’t take long for the puck to come off his stick.’’

The big losers In this deal, could be broadcasters like Kraken TV commentator John Forslund and radio voice Everett McHugh now that McMann and (Jared) McCann are on the same time. It’s possible they could even play on the same line at some point and we’ll be treated to, ``McMann over to McCann, back to McMann, back to McCann…’’