March 21st, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in 
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu is clearly a rising star in the National Football League; as such, the team decided to reward him as the All-Star that he is. John Clayton of ESPN reports that the Seahawks have signed Tatupu to a six-year, $40 million contract – with more than $16 million guaranteed – which would make Tatupu among the league’s 6 top-paid LB’s. The team is scheduled to announce the signing at a news conference, expected to take place at a 3:30 PM EST news conference.
Tatupu had 2 years remaining on his rookie contract, but has made 3 trips to the Pro Bowl in his first 3 season; the numbers he put up don’t quite equate his value. While he has averaged 112 tackles per season in his career, his leadership has left a mark on the Seahawks’ defense. To his credit, Tatupu could have commanded more money, but by taking less, the team was able to free up more cash to help sign LB Leroy Hill to an extension. Tatupu was the 45th overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft; Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell moved up 9 spots in the draft order – he gave up two 4th-round draft picks – in order to draft Tatupu.
