New Hawk Wyms happy with career choice

KIRKLAND -- Ellis Wyms had other offers from other teams after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But as soon as the veteran defensive tackle heard the voice of Seahawks president Tim Ruskell on the other end of the phone, Wyms knew he had found his new home.

"Tim made it clear that they really wanted me to come, and that's always a good thing -- when somebody really wants and really respects what you do," Wyms said Monday.

At least Wyms thought it was still Monday.

His day began when it was still night, as he caught a 6:30 a.m. flight from Tampa to Seattle. Then, it was signing the contract he had agreed to Sunday. Then, meetings with defensive line coach Dwaine Board. Then, practice. Then, more meetings.

How hectic was his day? His Bucs-orange bags were still sitting in the cubicle next to his in the locker room at 5:30.

In Seattle, Wyms is reunited with Ruskell, who was the director of player personnel in Tampa when the Bucs selected Wyms in the sixth round of the 2001 draft. He also rejoins fellow defensive tackle Chuck Darby, who was signed by the Bucs in 2001 and spent four seasons in Tampa before signing with the Seahawks in 2005.

"Ellis is a good player and he's going to bring a lot to this defense and to this year," Darby said.

Despite being in the opposite corner of the country, the look on Wyms' face said that it was all good.

"This is a place where I knew I'd be comfortable because of the people I already know here," he said. "Obviously they've been a good team for a while. It's looking like it's an opportunity to go the playoffs and get deep into the playoffs and hopefully go to the Super Bowl.

"I'm a seven-year guy, and I don't know how many years I've got left to play so you want to take these opportunities to be able to get on a winning team."

Wyms played all four positions on the defensive line during his six years with the Bucs. "And I've made plays at all those positions," he pointed out.

With the Seahawks, he will be expected to continue making plays as part of the tackle rotation that also includes Rocky Bernard, Craig Terrill, rookie Brandon Mebane and Darby. (Russell Davis was released to clear a roster spot for Wyms.)

Wyms might get only 20-25 snaps a game, but the Seahawks like his strength at the point of attack and versatility.

"I am happy with who we acquired," coach Mike Holmgren said. "We got two real active defensive players and then (running back Alvin) Pearman. He comes with great credentials and he did a nice job in Jacksonville."

The other new players Holmgren alluded to were acquired Saturday in trades -- defensive end Jason Babin from the Houston Texans (for strong safety Michael Boulware) and Pearman from the Jaguars (for a late-round 2008 draft choice).

Said Babin: "This is a great move. In Houston, they want bigger, taller defensive ends, and I'm more of a smaller, speed guy. So they knew -- and I knew -- I didn't fit there. I think I'm a better fit in Seattle because that's what they want."

Offered Pearman: "It all happens very fast, but it's fun. I've traveled quite a bit. But this was, hands down, the most beautiful fly-in when you drop down."

Their hurried trips to Seattle were just as hectic, but by Monday they were old hands compared to Wyms.

SUNDAY

SEAHAWKS VS. BUCCANEERS

1:15 p.m., Qwest Field

TV/RADIO: KCPQ/13; KIRO-AM/710

FOCUS ON: C.J. WALLACE

There was no need for C.J. Wallace to celebrate Saturday night after he made the Seahawks' 53-man roster.

The free-agent rookie from the University of Washington had his coming-out party Thursday night.

Because coach Mike Holmgren rested most of his starters in the preseason finale against the Raiders, Wallace got to start at free safety and run out of the tunnel, through the smoke, for the pregame introductions. In front of his family, which had made the trip from Sacramento to see the game.

"They were so happy when they found out I was starting. I didn't know I was starting," Wallace said Monday. "When they saw me come out of the smoke, when I was getting announced, my mom cried.

"It was a real good day," added Wallace, who just happened to be a Raiders fan growing up. "Everything was just perfect. It was the best situation I've ever been in, and probably one of the best days of my life."

It got even better, as Wallace made his second interception of the preseason and led the team with five solo tackles in a 19-14 victory.

Still, there was no "victory" dinner or "I-made-it" bash when it became official that he was the only free-agent rookie to make the team?

"Of course not," Wallace said. "You ain't got time for that; still working."

-- Clare Farnsworth