RENTON, Wash. — Starting linebacker LeRoy Hill has chosen to stay away from the Seahawks' voluntary — but highly encouraged — minicamp for veterans this week.

He wants a multiyear contract instead of signing a tender offer worth a guaranteed $8.3 million for 2009 as Seattle's designated franchise player.

The Seahawks and Hill's representatives remain in touch, though little progress has been made in negotiations.

Coach Jim Mora said he hoped Hill would be at Tuesday's first practice of the minicamp, but that did not happen. Mora said Hill has been in the team's headquarters for off-field workouts in recent weeks. He added Seahawks coaches are staying in contact with the third-round draft choice from 2005.