The Seahawks are expected to release All-Pro linebacker Lofa Tatupu Sunday after he requested to be let go when the team asked him to take a pay cut, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The six-year veteran was not present at practice on Saturday, reportedly upset that the team asked him to accept a pay cut. Tatupu is due to make over $4 million in 2011 after signing a six-year, $42 million contract extension in 2008.
The 28-year-old veteran has been one of the top linebackers in football since coming into the league in 2005. A three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection in 2007, Tatupu has 410 tackles and 10 interceptions for the Seahawks and has been a captain for over five seasons. In his rookie season he helped lead the Seahawks to Super Bowl XL against the Steelers, a game Pittsburgh won 21-10.
A local product out of Plainville, Tatupu began his collegiate career at the University of Maine before transferring to USC, where he was an All-American. His father, Mosi, was a running back for the Patriots for 13 seasons. The fan favorite was named an All-Pro in 1986 and honored as one of the members of the Patriots' 50th Anniversary Team.
