Deuce

Lutui

When right guard Daryn Colledge went down Sunday, he was replaced by D’Anthony Batiste. Lutui isn’t even versatile enough to change sides.

Ruud is one of the least effective inside linebackers in football, but he at least gives Seattle a veteran presence at the position after David Hawthorne got away. Lewis is a special teamer, but the Seahawks won’t want him playing as much defense as he did last year. Lutui will earn a spot if he’s in shape.

Lutui is making the NFC West rounds, also recently working out for the 49ers. Teams want to see Lutui on the hoof because he’s struggled with weight problems in his NFL career. He’s been a powerful right guard when in shape.

Playing on a one-year deal, Lutui was a total bust last season, seeing just 45 snaps in 15 games. Though long on talent, Lutui will draw scant interest until he proves he’s committed to getting and staying in shape.

“He looks good,” Carroll said. “His weight is down — I mean, way down from where he can be. He’s a vegan, too, now, so he has really made a big turn.” It appears Lutui has finally gotten serious about staying in shape after being benched by the Cardinals last season. Lutui provides Seattle with veteran insurance for rehabbing RG John Moffitt (torn MCL, PCL).

The Cardinals’ starting right guard since 2006, Lutui was stripped of his job last season after reporting to camp significantly overweight for the second straight year. He’s drawn no other known interest on the open market. Lutui could compete with Daniel Kilgore in San Francisco. Still just 28, Lutui has the ability to be a starting NFL lineman, but may no longer have the drive.

“It’s up to Deuce,” said Whisenhunt. “We’d like to have him back but one of the things we have to get worked out with Deuce is his weight. We had to struggle with him the last couple of years. The bottom line is that Deuce hasn’t played as well when he has been heavy.” Lutui, 29 in May, lost his starting job last season and appeared only on special teams. We suspect he won’t return.

Their return would have to come at the right price and likely not until after the draft. Pass-blocking liability Jeremy Bridges would start at right tackle if the season started today, though the Cardinals are expected to address the position in the draft. AzCardinals.com’s Darren Urban “never got the sense” that Arizona is interested in free agent Marcus McNeill.

Weight problems plagued Lutui throughout his time as a Cardinal, often reporting to camp between 380 and 400 pounds. He now appears inspired after getting picked up by his former college coach, Pete Carroll. An in-shape Lutui would be quality depth for the Seahawks.

An earlier report indicated Lutui would likely be signed, although nothing has been finalized. He would add another option to a porous Titans interior line.