[ThePundit]

I had to do a triple take on this. 49 million and 16 million guaranteed for a guard? This may be the most ridiculous contract in NFL history. I think the highest contract for a guard before this was 27 million to Randy Thomas to the Skins and I thought that was high.

[DrCool]

I believe the highest paid guard in the NFL is Larry Allen of the Cowboys who's contract averaged $6.1 mil per year. Hutchinson will average $7 mil over the life of his contract with a good portion of that guaranteed up front. I have heard 2 different cap figures for this year. $13.5 and $8.5. If it is $8.5 mil for a cap hit this year the Seahawks should match that offer. If it is $13.5 for this year I can't see the Hawks using that much cap space on one player this year.

Long term I think it is a very good contract. Hutchinson is the best guard in the league and should be the highest paid. In a few years he probably won't be the highest paid but should still be one of the best. Will be interesting to see if the Seahawks pull the trigger and resign him or if they think Pork Chop Womack or Chris Spencer can step in and fill his spot.

[Lefty Noob]

Great signing for Minnesota, but I still can't help but wonder if they didn't overpay. $49 million, $16 million guaranteed, is an awful lot of money to shell out for a guard, even one of Hutchinson's talent level.

[ThePundit]

That's my point Lefty. It's not the player - it's the money for a team who really needs defensive help.

[Lefty Noob]

Not to mention a team that will soon find themselves lacking a decent No. 1 QB.

[Lefty Noob]

Not so fast... Hutchinson may still wind up in Seattle. Check this out.

The NFL Players Association said on Friday that the league has filed a claim on behalf of the Seahawks contending a clause in the offer sheet Hutchinson signed with the Vikings last weekend circumvents the league's labor contract. That would mean that Seattle does not have to match that clause to keep Hutchinson, who is designated as their transition player.

The clause in question would guarantee Hutchinson the entire contract sum if Hutchinson is not the team's highest-paid offensive lineman.

Richard Berthelsen, general counsel for the NFLPA, said the union will argue against the Seahawks' and league's claims.

"They say the clause circumvents our collective bargaining agreement. It is our belief that it does not," Berthelsen said Friday.