Pro Bowl running back Shaun Alexander has frequently expressed optimism about securing a long-term contract agreement. The Seattle Seahawks have consistently talked about taking a wait-and-see approach. Now comes this: FOXSports.com, citing sources close to Alexander, reported Sunday night that the sides recently exchanged contract proposals for the first time, and that the coming days could be crucial for the health of negotiations. Recent comments from first-year Seahawks president Tim Ruskell reflected less urgency. ?For the long term, I wanted to get through a good portion of the season to see what my feelings were about Shaun and how he interacts and works with this team as we go into the future,? Ruskell said Saturday on the team?s Web site. ?It?s a very big decision. The running back market is a very tough market. That?s why all these guys are seemingly in limbo.? Ruskell was referring to Indianapolis? Edgerrin James and Philadelphia?s Brian Westbrook, among other NFL running backs whose contracts expire after this season. ?So it?s a very tough thing to deal with,? Ruskell said. ?We?re talking with (Alexander?s) representatives, and if we could work out something long term at this point of the season, that would be great. If we can?t, we won?t give up on it. ?It?s certainly not going to be easy. There?s not a quick solution, and there are a lot of different factors involved.?