Seattle Seahawks free agent left tackle Russell Okung informed NFL teams he will undergo left shoulder surgery to repair a dislocation sustained in the NFC divisional playoff loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Okung battled injuries in his six seasons with the Seahawks, who drafted him No. 6 overall in the 2010 draft.
Okung emailed every team as a precursor to his first foray into free agency, which officially begins March 9, according to CBS Sports. The former Oklahoma State standout plans to represent himself in contract negotiations. However, NFL rules prevent communication with teams prior to March 9.
For example, if any general manager would respond to Okung’s email memo to express interest, it would be a violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Free agent tampering has been investigated in the past, most recently last season when the Miami Dolphins lured defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh from the Detroit Lions.
Okung expects to be recovered from surgery by June.
The injury is a factor for teams interested in signing Okung. Coach Pete Carroll understood the gravity of Okung being hurt.
“Really sick to see him get hurt in that game, and it’s a very unusual accident that happened,” Carroll said in his season-ending press conference. “He’s been a leader, he’s been stellar for years. Really consistent. He’s been a great kid.”
Okung was injured trying to push Panthers’ pass-rush specialist Mario Addison out of the pocket.