Richard Seymour spent most of the offseason getting offered one-year, veteran's minimum contracts from a few teams after he was no re-signed by the Oakland Raiders. Naturally, a player with Seymour's resume wants more than just the contract of an aging player, hence the reason the defensive end is sitting at home on Sundays. However, as injuries begin to hurt teams each week, the veteran is getting a few calls that might turn into something.
The last time the NFL heard from Seymour was when the New England Patriots lost Vince Wilfork for the season with an Achilles tear. The team called up their former player in which he declined any interest in heading back to New England for the remainder of the season. Instead, Seymour said he was content with working towards his pilot license, sounding every bit retired without actually filing the appropriate paper work. Now, Seymour could be re-thinking that decision after the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions have both called his phone.
The 49ers are working to replace Aldon Smith decided to pursue rehab for substance abuse following a DUI arrest. While league sources says Smith is doing very well as an in-patient, there is no timetable for his return and the 49ers are not rushing the issue. Instead they are considering Seymour an option to replace the linebacker. CBSSports.com reports the 49ers are interested, but cannot come to a financial agreement, something that continues to plague Seymour.
The Detroit Lions are also pursuing Seymour. The team recently lost Jason Jones for the season, leaving an open roster spot. The defensive end suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. Seymour has been vocal about his desire to sign on with a contending team. Both the 49ers and the Lions fit that description, but no one will offer him more than a minimum deal.
During his time with the Oakland Raiders, Seymour was making $15 million a year. Most sources agree it would take $5 million a year on a multi-year contract to land Seymour who is fielding offers up until Week 10. The veteran has 57.5 career sacks to his name over a 12 year career, but his age does not reflect the type of contract he is demanding.
Seymour is certainly versatile and could really help a team in need of one more big body on defense. He appears content to sit out without the right contract offer. It remains to be seen whether a team will grow desperate enough to sign him before it is too late.
