Seahawks Get Stouffer, Keep Easley : Safety Fails Physical, So Phoenix Settles for Draft Choices Instead

The Seattle Seahawks signed newly acquired quarterback Kelly Stouffer Friday and sent future draft choices to the Phoenix Cardinals as compensation after safety Kenny Easley failed a physical exam.

Seahawk General Manager Mike McCormack said Easley, who was traded earlier this week to the Cardinals for Stouffer, had failed his physical examination with Phoenix because of “a non-football illness.” He refused to say what the illness was.

Leigh Steinberg, Easley’s agent, said in Berkeley that Easley is suffering from “a medical condition involving an internal organ” and is going to see a Seattle physician today. Steinberg said news of the condition surprised him. When asked if it was life-threatening, he said, “I certainly hope not.”

Seahawk Coach Chuck Knox said: “Kenny Easley is still our starting strong safety. Kenny knows the trade was strictly a business decision.”

McCormack said the Seahawks sent undisclosed draft choices for some time after this year to the Cardinals instead of Easley.

Stouffer, 23, sat out what would have been his rookie year in 1987 in a contract dispute with the St. Louis Cardinals, who have since moved to Arizona. The compensation for Stouffer, who starred at Colorado State, originally was going to be Easley, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and a future draft choice.

That draft pick was believed to be Seattle’s 1989 first-round selection. The Seahawks will not have a first-round choice in Sunday’s draft because they signed linebacker Brian Bosworth in last year’s supplemental draft.

Stouffer, 6 feet 3 inches and 212 pounds, was St. Louis’ first-round selection in ’87 and was the sixth player selected overall.

He is thought to have signed a four-year contract worth $3.1 million with the Seahawks, including a $1-million signing bonus.