Seahawks exercise two-year option on QB Hasselbeck

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks exercised a two-year, $10.5 million option in the contract of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on Wednesday.

Pressed into action when Trent Dilfer tore an Achilles' tendon, Hasselbeck emerged as a top quarterback over the season's final six weeks.

Hasselbeck set franchise single-game records for passing yards (449), completions (36) and attempts (55). He also has season records of four 300-yard passing games and two 400-yard games.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to grow and improve with this young team," said Hasselbeck, who earned $1.6 million last season.

The Seahawks' option was included in the five-year contract Hasselbeck signed before the start of the 2001 season. It erases the final three years of his original deal.

Hasselbeck's option was tied to his ranking among NFL leaders in passer rating, completion percentage or touchdown passes in 2002.

When Hasselbeck finished fifth in completion percentage at 63.7 percent, the Seahawks' options were for a $4.5 million, one-year contract; the $10.5 million, two-year contract; or an $18.5 million, three-year contract that would have included a $5 million signing bonus.

The Seahawks had until Wednesday to decide which option to exercise.

Dilfer is under contract with the Seahawks through the 2005 season and is scheduled to earn $750,000 next season.