That and two coaching changes and a front-office overhaul don't hurt either.

After starting his career in Seattle, Hutchinson played the previous six seasons in Minnesota after a contentious free-agent departure from the Seahawks in 2006.

Hutchinson was Seattle's first-round draft pick in 2001, a guard chosen No. 17 overall out of Michigan. He became a Pro Bowler in his third year and by 2005, Hutchinson and left tackle Walter Jones were considered the best guard-tackle combination in the league.

After Seattle's Super Bowl berth, Hutchinson was a free agent. The Seahawks designated him their transition player, giving them the right to match any contract offer he received, but providing no compensation should he leave. Hutchinson signed an offer sheet with the Minnesota Vikings that not only made him the highest-paid guard in the league, but was formatted in such a way that for Seattle to match, it had to guarantee the entire $49 million amount of the deal.

It turned out to be a poison pill the Seahawks couldn't swallow, declining to match.

Six years later, Hutchinson is a free agent after being released from the Vikings. The Seahawks have a young offensive line, but guard John Moffitt and right tackle James Carpenter are both coming off season-ending knee injuries that required surgery and so Seattle will take a look at Hutchinson.

He won't recognize many people. Actually, he might not recognize anyone. There are no coaches left from when Hutchinson was here. John Schneider is now the GM and there isn't a single player on the roster who appeared in the Super Bowl for Seattle since cornerback Marcus Trufant was released and linebacker Leroy Hill is a free agent.