Seattle Pulls Hill’s Franchise Tag Becomes Free Agent

The Seahawks withdrew the franchise designation from linebacker Leroy Hill after drafting Wake Forest’s Aaron Curry with the fourth overall choice. The move, confirmed by the team, makes Hill a free agent. The one-year, $8.3 million franchise offer no longer exists. Hill, a third-round choice in 2005, had refused to sign the offer while attempting to negotiate a lucrative long-term deal. He skipped voluntary minicamp practices recently.