Notebook: Jurevicius nearing deal

Joe Jurevicius could be a Seahawk by the end of the weekend — if not by the end of the day.

The Seahawks and Jurevicius' agent, Neil Cornrich, have been involved in contract discussions since the former Tampa Bay receiver visited the team last week.

"I'm optimistic about working something out with the Seahawks," Cornrich said yesterday. "Joe views the Seahawks' system as very compatible with his talents, and he's excited about the opportunity to contribute to that offense."

It wouldn't be much of an adjustment for the 30-year-old receiver because the Seahawks and Buccaneers both run versions of the West Coast offense.

Jurevicius also likes Seattle because of the potential reunion with Seahawks president Tim Ruskell, who was the Bucs' director of pro player personnel when Tampa signed the receiver from the New York Giants in 2002.

At 6 feet 5 and 230 pounds, Jurevicius would give Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck a big target.

Jurevicius was used mainly as the Bucs' third receiver; he had just eight starts over three seasons.

Injuries to his knee and back limited him to just 15 games the past two years, but Cornrich said he is healthy now and has passed all physicals he has taken this month.

Notes

• CB Kelly Herndon officially became a Seahawk at midnight last night. The Denver Broncos declined to match the Seahawks' five-year, $15 million offer sheet to the restricted free agent. He will receive a $3.6 million signing bonus. Because Herndon was undrafted out of college, the Seahawks will not owe the Broncos any compensation.

• The Seahawks officially announced the signing of lead negotiator Mike Reinfeldt to a multi-year contract with the title of vice president of football administration.

• The Seahawks claimed DE Joe Tafoya off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons yesterday. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound former Arizona Wildcat played three seasons for the Chicago Bears before being released last summer. The Falcons signed him after the season.

• LB Chad Brown is the team's Ed Block Courage Award winner for 2004. Every year, players on each NFL club select a teammate who best represents courage, sportsmanship and inspiration. Brown twice came back from injuries — a broken leg and torn knee cartilage — last season to help the Seahawks make the playoffs.

• Anthony Simmons reportedly is a candidate for the Bears' opening at strongside linebacker. The Seahawks cut the former first-round draft pick earlier this month.

• DE Courtney Brown, a former No. 1 overall draft pick who visited the Seahawks this week, is expected to sign with the Broncos.

Chris Cluff: 206-464-8787 or ccluff@seattletimes.com