Seahawks ink quarterback Jeff George
Coach Mike Holmgren emphasized that Matt Hasselbeck will remain the starter and George is coming in to fill a role.
"It’s important for our football team that Matt gets another shot at this thing, with the fans," Holmgren said. "It’s important for everyone to understand what we are really doing. He’s (George) coming in to fill a particular role."
The Seahawks (2-5) play the visiting Washington Redskins (3-4) on Sunday.
Hasselbeck struggled and was booed by Seattle fans last season before yielding the job to Dilfer, who started all seven games this fall. Dilfer took an awkward step while dropping back to pass during the second quarter against the Cowboys.
George, who wasn’t available for interviews, played with the Washington Redskins last season. He was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 1990 by Indianapolis and has spent time with Atlanta, Oakland, Minnesota and Washington.
George has thrown for 25,860 yards, with 147 touchdowns and 102 interceptions in 12 NFL seasons.
The Seahawks also worked out Jeff Brohm, who briefly joined the Cleveland Browns last season after being taken off an XFL roster.
Holmgren said George reported at 210 pounds, about 10-to-15 pounds below where he played previously. He said George threw with velocity and, during an interview, showed a genuine desire to play.
"To really want to do this and get back into the game again, it can’t be just for the paycheck," Holmgren said.
George was labeled as a difficult player after cameras caught him squabbling on the sideline with former Falcons coach June Jones in 1994. But Holmgren said he needed a veteran, and George will get a clean slate.
"That other stuff didn’t factor into any part of the decision once he had a good workout," he said. "I was convinced he understood what his role would be. With veteran quarterbacks, that type of understanding has to be there."