Packers Blog The Journal Sentinel's team of Packers beat writers provide the latest news, notes and analysis SHARE

By of the

The Seattle Seahawks came out on top in the pursuit of Packers free agent quarterback Matt Flynn.

A day after Flynn made a visit to the Miami Dolphins, Seattle closed the deal with Flynn Sunday afternoon, agreeng to terms on a three-year deal that a source with direct knowledge of the deal said is worth $19 million with about $10 million guaranteed. There will be opportunities for Flynn to make as much as $24 million.

The Seahawks emerged as a player for Flynn late last week and while many expected Flynn to sign with the Miami Dolphins because of his connection with Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, his former offensive coordinator in Green Bay, Seattle was the one that came through with a better offer.

The Dolphins apparently did not want to pay as much for Flynn and turned their attention to San Francisco free agent QB Alex Smith on Sunday. They are considering signing former Jacksonville starter David Garrard, although he would probably be the backup.

The part most relevant to the Packers - other than the fact the Packers play at Seattle this year -- is that it's almost guaranteed that they won't get a third-round compensatory draft choice next year on Flynn's deal alone Much of the compensatory formula is based on the value of the contract and only a portion is based on how well he performs

In most cases, it takes a strong five-year deal worth $35 million or $40 million to assure a third-round pick. It is unlikely that the loss of both Flynn and C Scott Wells in free agency would add up to a third-round pick, but rather two fourth-round selections.

Everything is based on net loss, however, and so if GM Ted Thompson signs a free agent, it wold lessen the impact of Flynn and Wells' loss.

If Thompson were to lose CB Jarrett Bush, it's more than likely he would get a pick for him as well provided he doesn't sign anyone.

This year, Thompson can expect to get as many as four compensatory picks based on the loss of G Daryn Colledge, DE Cullen Jenkins, RB Brandon Jackson and OL Jason Spitz. He did not sign any free agents, so the net loss would determine the picks.

I would guess it would be a fourth, fifth and two sevenths.

Colledge's average salary was the highest at around $5.5 million.