Big decisions for Seahawks defense

KIRKLAND -- The Seahawks don't begin their final minicamp until Monday, but team management still has some decisions to make before then regarding at least three players.

At the top of the list is veteran defensive back Bobby Taylor, who was signed to a four-year, $11.3 million contract in free agency last year only to miss the second half of the 2004 season with a knee problem that began bothering him in training camp.

Also in play are former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Peter Boulware and safety John Howell, a free agent from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Boulware, the older brother of Seahawks strong safety Michael Boulware, is expected to visit the Seahawks later this week after making trips to the Cleveland Browns and possibly the San Francisco 49ers. Howell has told reporters in Tampa that he wants to sign with the Seahawks unless the Buccaneers match or exceed the offer that has been discussed with Seattle.

It has been widely speculated that Taylor will be released after June 1, a move that would allow the remaining $2.25 million from his prorated $3 million signing bonus to count against the team's salary cap next year rather than this year.

But his future with the club, at least yesterday, was still open to debate.

Taylor, 31, has spent the offseason rehabilitating his knee. The former Pro Bowl cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles could be an option at either cornerback or safety for the Seahawks, if healthy, despite the offseason additions of free-agent cornerbacks Andre Dyson and Kelly Herndon.

The older Boulware, meanwhile, has not played since the next-to-last game in 2003 because of a knee injury and also had toe surgery in December, concerns for any team that might want to sign him and one reason the Ravens released him last month -- along with the fact he was due $6 million this season.

The Seahawks have a need for a pass-rusher with Boulware's credentials -- 67 1/2 sacks and four Pro Bowls in seven seasons. But so do the Browns, whose new general manager Phil Savage came to Cleveland after serving as personnel director in Baltimore. The 49ers are now coached by Mike Nolan, Boulware's former defensive coordinator with the Ravens.

Boulware already has met with the Houston Texans.

Howell, a backup in four seasons with the Bucs, could become an option because safety Damien Robinson has been released and should Taylor be released.

Regardless of how all this sorts out, the Seahawks would like to make the decisions before Monday.

P-I reporter Clare Farnsworth can be reached at 206-448-8016 or clarefarnsworth@seattlepi.com

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