[September 18, 2007]

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Former Southern Arkansas defensive back Jordan Babineaux was rewarded by the Seattle Seahawks Tuesday with a five-year contract extension worth $10 million. Combined with incentives, the total package could be worth as much as $17 million, and there is $3 million of guarantees in the deal.

Babineaux was set to be a free agent after this season, but is now signed in through 2012. He had been one of Seattle’s key targets to re-sign since the beginning of the season. Babineaux, along with kicker Josh Brown and right tackle Sean Locklear, were the main Seahawk free agents at the end of the season. Brown and Locklear may or may not have long-term deals coming, so that thrust Babineaux to the forefront as a priority to re-sign.

Babineaux’s versatility in the defensive backfield makes him a valuable commodity to the Seahawks, who have used him as a starter, off the bench, and on special teams play. His main role has been in the nickel defense package.

The deal for Babineaux was finalized around midnight Monday after negotiations had picked up over the past couple of weeks.

The former Mulerider All-American currently has six tackles on the season through two games, giving him 117 total tackles in his four-year career. Babineaux has also broken up 12 passes, forced one fumble, and has four interceptions in his Seahawk career.

#SAU#