Seahawks offensive tackle and free agent-to-be Russell Okung is representing himself in negotiations with the team and he's intent on hitting free agency to bolster his market.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the organization has already expressed interest in bringing Okung back but he'd prefer to hit the market. Perhaps, he's trying to increase his bargaining power or just thinks he can find a better deal for himself elsewhere, but it doesn't look like they'll sway him away from that decision.

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A thin market of quality left tackles means that Okung could be highly sought after if other teams are allowed to get involved, which can't happen until March 9 when the league calendar flips to the new year. He was by far the best offensive lineman on a pretty poor offensive line that did find some cohesion down the stretch. With both him and guard J.R. Sweezy both becoming unrestricted free agents; the team surely wants to re-sign at least one to keep the continuity.

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Preferably, that one would be Okung since Sweezy has a viable replacement waiting in guard Mark Glowinski. However, retaining Okung is a long-shot considering what his market value will be.

Stopping him from hitting the market altogether would be a stroke of genius by Seahawks management, but the big offensive tackle doesn't seem intent on allowing that to happen.