Ex-UH lineman Hunter signs with Seahawks for $1.45 million

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former University of Hawai'i offensive lineman Wayne Hunter signed a three-year contract worth $1.45 million with the Seattle Seahawks yesterday.

Hunter, who was at Seattle's training camp, said he was pleased with the deal that his agent Ken Zuckerman negotiated.

"I'm happy," Hunter said. "Kenny really worked out a good deal with the Seahawks. I knew he was going to bust his (behind) from the beginning."

The Seahawks selected the 6-foot-5, 303-pound Hunter in the third round as the 73rd overall pick in April's NFL Draft.

Hunter was one of three UH players drafted. Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa was selected by the St. Louis in the second round as the 43rd overall pick, and offensive lineman Vince Manuwai was chosen by Jacksonville in the third round at No. 72 overall. Tinoisamoa and Manuwai have not signed.

Hunter said he will get an opportunity to play left tackle for Seattle, which is trying to sign Pro Bowl left tackle and franchise player Walter Jones. The Seahawks have brought in former Atlanta left tackle Michael Thompson as insurance.

"The chances for me (to play) look pretty good," Hunter said. "I just really got to get into my playbook and make a good impression through football camp and the four preseason games. As long as I can do well in those games and get my playbook down in my head, everything will be all right."

Zuckerman called Hunter's contract a "very good deal." The agent said the contract has a clause that could save Hunter nearly $100,000 if he goes on injured reserve this season.

Zuckerman said Hunter makes "about half of the contract in the first year" because it includes a signing bonus. He declined to say the amount of the bonus.