Let’s remember when the Seahawks signed Blair Walsh, on this day in 2017 (February 9)

…but maybe we shouldn’t.

Tacoma’s News Tribune said at the time:

Four years younger. And $2.45 million cheaper.

That’s the difference between 27-year-old Blair Walsh’s maximum charge against the Seahawks’ salary cap in 2017 and what Steven Hauschka cost in 2016.

ESPN.com’s Sheil Kapadia reported Tuesday Walsh’s one-year contract with Seattle is worth $800,000 in base pay, with $300,000 in bonuses for making and staying on the roster next season. None of that money is guaranteed.

So it’s essentially a prove-it deal. Walsh has the opportunity to earn a richer, longer contract if he succeeds in rebuilding his career with a fresh start in Seattle this year.

On paper, the deal made a lot of sense, but there was always a high risk/reward ratio. Steven Hauschka needed a change of scenery, as he struggled in his final season in Seattle, missing six extra points, and Walsh was a former all pro who was available, and he inadvertently helped Seattle advance in the playoffs in 2016 by missing a last second FG that would’ve won the game for his Minnesota Vikings.

Walsh struggled mightily in Minnesota the following season and was released after nine games, missing several FGs and PATs. Because he was younger and successful, Pete Carroll thought/hoped that a new team could be beneficial.

It did not, though he showed some signs of being acceptable, until Walsh had a game against Washington where he missed three field goals, and missed at least two games that would’ve won or tied games. It meant for the first time in the Russell Wilson era, the Seahawks would not be playing in the playoffs.