The NFC champion Seattle Seahawks designated All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson as the team's transition player on Thursday after the sides were unable to reach a long-term contract. Hutchinson will receive a one-year contract for the average salary of the top 10 offensive linemen from the 2005 season, $6.39 million. Hutchinson can receive offers from other teams once the free agency period begins on March 3, but Seattle has the right of first refusal on any offers. Seattle has until March 17 to reach a long-term contract with Hutchinson, or will have to wait until July to begin negotiations again. Calls to Hutchinson's agent, Tom Condon, were not immediately returned.