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Walter Jones was the best player on the best teams in Seattle Seahawks history.

In my view, there wasn't a close second on those mid-2000s teams even though quite a few players reached Pro Bowls. One, Shaun Alexander, was league MVP.

It's fitting, then, that Jones, above all other recent Seahawks, will receive a statue in his honor at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Team and airport officials plan to unveil the statue Tuesday as part of a new Seahawks-themed restaurant at the airport.

The Seahawks made Jones the sixth player chosen in the 1997 draft even though Jones was a junior-college transfer without much experience at the highest level of college football. The team's offensive line coach at the time, Howard Mudd, initially didn't believe scouts when they said Jones clocked 4.6 seconds in a 40-yard dash before the draft.

How incredible was that time for an offensive tackle with a frame big enough to comfortably carry 320-plus pounds? Well, running back Ryan Williams and receiver Austin Pettis, both drafted by NFC West teams in the first three rounds this year, finished the 40 in 4.61 seconds at the 2011 combine.

Jones' athletic ability, durability and consistency set him apart from other tackles of his era. The athleticism in particular was freakish.

"It was one of those things where you look at the tape and you say, 'God,' " Mudd said after the 1997 draft. "Then you look at another tape and you say, 'Well, we'll see if it's for real.' Then I saw another tape and I just went, 'Wow!' "

Nearly 15 years later, Jones is going from fixture on the offensive line to fixture of another kind.

Airport tributes to legendary athletes carry some appeal. Most of us aren't going to make special trips to see statues or other tributes at local halls of fame. But if we're sitting in an airport during a layover and unable to find one of the two or three working power outlets available at some of these terminals, why not sample the local sporting flavor?

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame has an exhibit at the airport in San Francisco. Bronze plaques honoring enshrinees appear there before finding homes near where the athletes made lasting impacts. San Francisco 49ers greats Dwight Clark and George Seifert were enshrined this year.

Visitors to the airport in Pittsburgh can find themselves face to facemask with Steelers great Franco Harris, depicted making the Immaculate Reception.

Note: In other statue-related NFC West news, Sam Bradford is getting one at the University of Oklahoma.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says San Francisco 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree remains limited after aggravating a foot injury during a June 6 workout session. Maiocco: "Crabtree attended the Alex Smith-led classroom session Tuesday morning at San Jose State. He joined his teammates on the field at Spartan Stadium, and caught some warm-up passes from the team's three quarterbacks. But Crabtree did not run any full-speed pass routes. Instead, he remained close to the 49ers' quarterbacks and referred repeatedly to a copy of the practice script he held in his hands." That level of engagement beats the alternative. Crabtree previously appeared somewhat indifferent to the 49ers' practice sessions when he continued working out on his own, missing a chance to learn more about the offense while engaging his teammates. The stress fracture Crabtree brought into the NFL wasn't considered serious. What to make of his current foot trouble? It's tough to say without information coming from the 49ers' team doctors.

Also from Maiocco: play-by-play coverage from the 49ers' practice session Tuesday.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says 49ers players, led by Alex Smith, are checking out video from previous versions of West Coast offenses. Barrows: "Smith's classroom work includes film cups of an array of West Coast offenses, including college (Stanford) and pro clubs. The NFL clips include Steve Young and the 49ers, Rich Gannon and the Raiders and recent Philadelphia Eagles footage. Players said it was helpful to get a bird's eye view of the plays they are running on the practice field."

Also from Barrows: Colin Kaepernick can get the football to its target in a hurry. Left tackle Joe Staley: "He doesn't have that rookie, deer-in-the-headlights mentality. I think he's going to be a good quarterback. The ball comes off his arm pretty fast. He's a real, real intelligent kid. I think he'll pick up this offense pretty quickly."

The 49ers' website catches up with former coach George Seifert, who has this to say about his fondest fan-related recollections: "I was there when San Francisco lost to Detroit in 1957, when it appeared they were going to win the game and go on to the championship. That was certainly a downturn, but to be there when Dwight Clark made 'The Catch' and Eric Wright made the tackle to help us beat Dallas to put us in the Super Bowl was such a high. Having had my background, I’ve been very fortunate to appreciate those moments like our fans."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers' receivers will have to adjust the velocity Kaepernick puts on his throws. Branch: "The bad news for Niners receivers is they might need to place their hands in ice baths this week. But the good news for Kaepernick is that he was able to participate fully in the first day of the four-day camp at San Jose State. Kaepernick was limited at the first camp -- only tossing warm-up throws -- in early June after undergoing a minor surgical procedure on his lower left leg following the NFL draft."

Also from Branch: One pass from Kaepernick seemed to knock down receiver Lance Long.

Kevin Lynch of Niner Insider says 49ers tackle Alex Boone has been working with former NFL center LeCharles Bentley in Ohio.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers players have bonded during their offseason camps.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com considers whether Joey Galloway had the most impressive rookie season in franchise history. I might go with Galloway or Curt Warner. Farnsworth on Warner: "Coach Chuck Knox traded the team’s first-, second- and third-round draft choices to move into the third spot so he could select the back needed for his Ground Chuck offense. Warner did not disappoint, rushing for 1,449 yards (on 335 carries), catching 42 passes and scoring 14 touchdowns to earn AFC offensive player of the year honors."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune takes a closer look at the Seahawks on third down last season. Williams: "Seattle might be looking to take more chances on third down this year after drafting players like linebackers K.J. Wright and Malcolm Smith, corners Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell and safety Mark LeGree, in addition to Kam Chancellor, Walter Thurmond and Roy Lewis -- all fast, explosive players who can tackle and cover. Specifically, the Seahawks will look to free up safety Earl Thomas more and allow him to use his play-making ability, as they did against St. Louis in the final game of the year."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com traces the roots of Dennis Green's famous they-are-who-we-thought-they-were outburst back to training camp that season. Urban: "Bears coach Lovie Smith was asked about Leinart’s good game in the preseason and talked about that game meaning nothing, as a 'glorified practice.' Green, hearing this, clearly didn’t agree and said as much, although it wasn’t exactly 'who takes the third game of the preseason like it’s bull.' At least, not yet. Then came the game. The Cards dominated, and they lost. Green calmly answered most of the questions and then the one hit him the wrong way, especially with the leftover irritation with Smith’s comments percolating all week and the frustration of the season building (for instance, kicker Neil Rackers missing what should have been a game-winning field goal that night)."

Guerin Emig of the Tulsa World says Rams receiver Mark Clayton is eager to resume contract negotiations with the team. Clayton: "I would love to stay. I love playing with Sam [Bradford]. The organization is great. Coach 'Spags' [Steve Spagnuolo], I love him. I love his passion. He's a real fiery dude. He's a defensive guy and I play offense. Opposites attract, I guess." Getting a deal done with Clayton shouldn't be too difficult. The team has improved its depth at the position, but with Clayton and several other receivers coming off injuries, the Rams need numbers. Clayton developed an instant rapport with Bradford last season. He's coming off surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon suffered at Detroit in Week 6 last season.

Notable players: QB Joe Montana, QB Steve Young, WR Jerry Rice, WR John Taylor, RB Roger Craig, FB Tom Rathman, TE Brent Jones, G Guy McIntyre, FS Ronnie Lott, OLB Charles Haley, DE Pierce Holt, DE Kevin Fagan, OLB Keena Turner, LB Matt Millen.

Analysis: The San Francisco 49ers had multiple teams worthy of consideration as the best in franchise history. I'll take the one that outscored its opponents 126-26 during the postseason, including 55-10 over the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. Denver led the NFL in scoring defense that season.

The 1989 team featured the 49ers' offense at the peak of its powers.

Joe Montana averaged 9.1 yards per attempt with 13 starts that season. The figure for three-game starter Steve Young -- 10.9 yards per attempt -- was even more ridiculous. Drew Brees set a career high at 8.5 yards per attempt last season. Tom Brady's average was 8.3 during his historic 2007 season. Dan Marino was at 9.0 in his 1984 career season. None could match the 49ers' top two quarterbacks during this special season.

This was the first 49ers team of the 1980s without Bill Walsh, but offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren was still there, as were nearly all of the team's iconic offensive players from the decade. Tight end Brent Jones emerged as a starter. Roger Craig topped 1,000 yards rushing. Fullback Tom Rathman caught 73 passes. Montana set a career high for passer rating at 112.1, completing 70.2 percent with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Rice caught 17 touchdown passes while averaging 18.1 yards per reception.

The defense was typically overlooked except by those forced to play against it. John Elway completed only 10 of 26 passes for 108 yards and two interceptions against the 49ers in the Super Bowl.

"Their defense doesn't get enough credit," Broncos coach Dan Reeves said afterward. ''I can't say enough about them.''

Walsh later regretted retiring. This team made it easy to see why.

Most impressive win: Having already touched on the Super Bowl victory, let's focus on the victory that delivered the NFC West title to San Francisco that season. Montana passed for 458 yards, including 286 to receiver John Taylor, and the 49ers twice overcame 17-point deficits to edge the division-rival Rams, 30-27, on the road.

Transcending Walsh: This 49ers team became the only one in NFL history to win back-to-back Super Bowls with different head coaches. The change from Walsh to George Seifert might have actually helped this team, at least for a season. The offensive-minded Walsh left the defensive-minded Seifert with a veteran offense trained to function at a high level without much big-picture help. Holmgren took the best of what Walsh taught him and made it even better with his own tweaking. In that sense, the 1989 team might have gotten the best of what Walsh and Holmgren had to offer. Montana was also at his best. He never enjoyed a finer season.

Honorable mention

1984: This was the team that knocked off Marino in the Super Bowl after the quarterback shredded defenses for a then-record 48 touchdown passes. This was a great 49ers team with a franchise-best 15-1 record, but the best group in 49ers history needed to include Rice, I thought. He arrived the next year.

1994: Proponents of this team will point to a defense featuring Deion Sanders, Rickey Jackson, Ken Norton, Merton Hanks, Eric Davis, Tim McDonald, Bryant Young and others. They'll point to Young's record six touchdown passes against the San Diego Chargers in the Super Bowl.

1948: Let's save some recognition for one of the early 49ers teams. This one outscored opponents by more than 17 points per game on its way to a 12-2 record. Frankie Albert put up modern-day numbers with 29 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions and a 102.9 rating.

I've counted 43 unrestricted free agents with Pro Bowls on their résumés.

Four are in their 40s, 15 others are at least 35, 21 more are at least 30 and the other three -- specialist Kassim Osgood, safety Roy Williams and running back Willie Parker -- are 29.

Some of them broke into the league under head coaches Dan Henning, Tom Flores, Bruce Coslet, George Seifert, Lindy Infante, Dom Capers, Pete Carroll (the first time), Ray Rhodes (in Philadelphia), Mike Holmgren (in Green Bay) and Dick Vermeil.

Great crop.

The restricted market could be more interesting, but even then, it's tough to justify parting with first- or second-round choices for players seeking lucrative long-term contracts.

The Rams were the fifth team of the free-agency era to finish with a 1-15 record. Three of the other four won at least seven games the following season. None selected a quarterback in the first round of the next draft.

Here's a quick look at how those four other 1-15 teams responded (I might expand on this down the road):

• 2007 Dolphins: Fired coach Cam Cameron after one season. Hired Tony Sparano. Used the first overall choice in the 2008 draft on tackle Jake Long. Signed veteran free-agent quarterback Chad Pennington from the Jets. Posted 11-5 record in 2008.
• 2001 Panthers: Fired coach George Seifert. Hired John Fox. Used second overall choice in 2002 draft for defensive end Julius Peppers. Signed veteran free-agent quarterback Rodney Peete from the Raiders. Posted 7-9 record in 2002, then signed Jake Delhomme before the 2003 season.
• 2000 Chargers: Traded first overall choice of 2001 draft to Falcons for package including the fifth pick, which San Diego used for LaDainian Tomlinson. Signed veteran quarterback Doug Flutie and used the first pick of the 2001 draft's second round for quarterback Drew Brees. Improved to 5-11 in 2001, then hired Marty Schottenheimer before the 20o2 season.
• 1996 Jets: Fired coach Rich Kotite. Hired Bill Parcells. Traded the first overall choice in the 1997 draft to the Rams, who drafted Orlando Pace. Traded the sixth overall choice (acquired from Rams) to Tampa Bay for a package including the eighth overall choice, which the Jets used for linebacker James Farrior. Stuck with veteran Neil O'Donnell at quarterback in 1997 (O'Donnell had missed the final 10 games of 1996). Improved to 9-7 in 1997.

Three of the four fired their head coaches. Three of the four signed veteran starting quarterbacks the next off season (the Jets already had one). Something to consider as the Rams decide how to acquire their next quarterback and how to proceed with the first overall choice of the draft.

The 49ers must be thrilled to add Mike Solari as their offensive line coach in a move announced Thursday.

Skeptical or curious 49ers fans should know Solari earned high marks from the late Bobb McKittrick, one of the 49ers' most acclaimed assistant coaches from their glory years. Solari coached tight ends and served as assistant offensive line coach for the 49ers from 1992 to 1996. McKittrick died in 2000.

"I went up to visit Bobb when he was sick, and he had worked closely with Mike on George Seifert's staff," then-Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said in 2008. "He just said Mike's a special guy and he was really very impressed with Mike early on."

Back in 2008, when the Seahawks still had enough talent to consider a playoff run, Holmgren viewed Solari's hiring in Seattle as a huge step toward that goal. Injuries doomed that Seattle team, accelerating a rapid decline. That Solari's tenure in Seattle was a disappointment affirmed talent shortcomings without reflecting too negatively on his coaching, in my view. That was my read on the situation based on Solari's reputation around the league and the coaching I've witnessed firsthand at practices.

Solari is a natural fit for the 49ers on several levels. He already knows the NFC West inside and out. His mentality should fit well with the mindset 49ers coach Mike Singletary has instilled in San Francisco. The fact that Solari worked extensively with 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye in Kansas City stands as another positive for the 49ers.

This move was clearly in the works. The 49ers allowed their line coach, Chris Foerster, to speak with the Redskins about a job on Mike Shanahan's staff. Foerster took that job Thursday and the 49ers announced Solari's hiring within hours. This hiring falls into the no-brainer category.

Let's say you visited the Pro Football Reference coaching archive and singled out head coaches with at least five playoff games on their résumés.

Let's say you sorted the qualifying coaches by highest winning percentage.

Vince Lombardi would be at the top. The Cardinals' Ken Whisenhunt would be tied for second.

This goes to show how precious playoff victories can be, even for coaches with long track records. The great Bill Walsh enjoyed 10 playoff victories during his career. Whisenhunt can claim his fifth Saturday.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Anquan Boldin showed up at the Cardinals' facility for a physical examination Thursday. Perhaps that means Boldin will participate in the post-draft camp. Darnell Dockett also showed up. The Cardinals' success in the playoffs undermines players' leverage in these situations, I think. Urban: "Now, whether Boldin practices, we'll have to see. He came down with a sore hamstring at last year's minicamp -- about the time his contract issues first reached a boil. There might be some maladies for those seeking new contracts. Again, we will see. At least the drama of a missing guy will be avoided, and I would assume Boldin -- and to a lesser extent, Dockett -- will be tops on the media's interview list after practice." Holding out would not make much sense.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports from Chris "Beanie" Wells' introductory news conference at Cardinals headquarters. Quarterback Kurt Warner stunned Wells by sending a text mesage Saturday welcoming the running back to Arizona. Wells: "I was in shock. Kurt Warner was sending me a text message. I remember a few years ago, I was maybe in the sixth and seventh grade, we were watching the St. Louis-Tennessee Titans Super Bowl, and watching him."

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with Rams quarterback Marc Bulger on the eve of minicamp. Bulger: "Every year, winning cures all. Earlier in my career we were winning and my biggest attribute was that I was steady, low-key, and my teammates knew how much I wanted to win and everything was great. Then all of a sudden, you lose a few years and that's my greatest weakness."

Also from Thomas: "Assuming everyone is on hand today, and this minicamp is still 'voluntary' for the vets, there will be 87 players on the field this morning. Of that group, 47 have one season or less experience on an NFL regular-season roster. Only six of the 87 players are age 30 or older, headed by 34-year-old defensive end Leonard Little."

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says the Rams want their veterans to show the rookies how to practice. Tempo is key.

VanRam of Turf Show Times addresses key questions facing the Rams. He thinks Bulger will bounce back this season.

Taylor Price of 49ers.com passes along comments from 49ers rookies as they arrived for post-draft minicamp. Michael Crabtree wasn't sure when he would be cleared to practice after recovering from offseason foot surgery, but he should be ready by training camp.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle expects Crabtree, Glen Coffee and Scott McKillop to contribute immediately as rookies. Crumpacker: "Coffee will back up Frank Gore, McKillop will do the same at inside linebacker behind Takeo Spikes, and Pascoe figures to see playing time initially as a blocking tight end."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says where he thinks the 49ers' rookie free agents fit in. Maiocco on running back Kory Sheets: "Sheets has a real chance to win a roster spot. His primary competition will be Thomas Clayton, the team's leading rusher during the past two exhibition seasons. If Sheets proves his worth, it's possible the 49ers could employ three backs, similar to what the N.Y. Giants had with Jacobs, Ward and Bradshaw."

Also from Maiocco: checking in with the 49ers' draft picks. Coffee appears bigger than his listed weight of 209 pounds.

More from Maiocco: The 49ers haven't spoken to the Panthers about a deal for Julius Peppers, but such a move would be logical.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says 49ers rookie Nate Davis compares himself to Donovan McNabb.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says Crabtree nearly gave up football for basketbal while in high school. The 49ers are happy Crabtree's father asked the youngster to reconsider.

Also from Brown: Current stories about Crabtree sound strikingly familiar to what people wrote about J.J. Stokes more than a decade ago, including this passage from Clark Judge's story in the Mercury News: "Though [George] Seifert compared Stokes to Dallas All-Pro wide receiver Michael Irvin, the move was reminiscent of the 49ers' 1985 draft-day deal for wide receiver Jerry Rice. Like then, the 49ers are coming off a Super Bowl season. Like then, they have two veteran wide receivers -- Rice and Taylor instead of Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon. Like then, they struck after two wide receivers -- Michael Westbrook and Joey Galloway instead of Eddie Brown and Al Toon -- disappeared early."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune quotes Seahawks coach Jim Mora on why it's important for Leroy Hill to attend minicamps. As Mora told KJR radio in Seattle: "A majority of what we're doing on defense terminology-wise and assignment-wise will be different than what Leroy has done his first four years here. So, he is missing valuable time when he's not here in order for him to be a productive football player for us on the field next fall. To ask a guy to come in, in a new scheme, a week before the first regular-season game -- which happens a lot of times with these franchise guys -- and be productive is a pipe dream. It just doesn't happen very often."

John Morgan of Field Gulls sketches out how he thinks the Seahawks might use Hill in conjunction with Lofa Tatupu and Aaron Curry.

Michael Steffes of Seahawk Addicts quotes Mora on how Hill could be used, based on what Mora told KJR: "Leroy will play the 'Will', which is the weak inside linebacker position. Aaron will play 'Sam', which is the strong outside linebacker position. The way we structure our defense is that they are both typically off the line of scrimmage, playing behind defensive linemen and using their athletic ability to run. There is not a whole lot of differences in what they do. Some small subtle differences, but you'll see three fast, physical, athletic, linebackers working together, and it will be exciting to see."

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Final Year Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Team Record Pct. 2001 George Seifert CAR 1-15 .063 1999 Mike Ditka NO 3-13 .188 1988 Tom Landry DAL 3-13 .188 1977 Hank Stram NO 3-11 .214 1973 Weeb Ewbank NYJ 4-10 .286 Source: ESPN Stats & Information

Mike Holmgren expects to be back in the NFL by 2010, either as a coach, executive or both.

If he does walk away from coaching after 2008, the Seahawks' regular-season finale will determine whether Holmgren posts one of the five worst final-season records for Super Bowl-winning head coaches.

Beating the Cardinals in Week 17 would leave Holmgren with a 5-11 record and .313 winning percentage this season. The alternative: 4-12 and .250, worse than Weeb Ewbank's final season with the New York Jets.

I have a hard time thinking Holmgren will let his coaching career end with such a poor record. He'll have options after taking off the upcoming season, as he has promised his wife he would do.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Final Year Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Team Record Pct. 2001 George Seifert CAR 1-15 .063 2008 Mike Holmgren SEA 2-10 .167 1999 Mike Ditka NO 3-13 .188 1988 Tom Landry DAL 3-13 .188 1977 Hank Stram NO 3-11 .214 1973 Weeb Ewbank NYJ 4-10 .286  Source: ESPN Stats & Information

Mike Holmgren has never lost more than 10 games in a season as an NFL head coach.

The Seahawks will have to win their final four games to make that statement hold up into the offseason.

The chart, updated since we last touched on the topic, shows Holmgren rocketing up the list of Super Bowl-winning coaches to suffer dismal records in their final seasons.

We still do not know if 2008 will mark Holmgren's final season as an NFL head coach. He plans to sit out the 2009 season. That would make him 62 years old heading into the 2010 season, young enough to make another run, albeit at the expense of time with the grandchildren.

Holmgren's teams have suffered losing records three times in his 17 seasons as a head coach. The Seahawks were 6-10 in 2000 and 7-9 in 2002.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Final Year Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Team Record Pct. 2001 George Seifert CAR 1-15 .063 1999 Mike Ditka NO 3-13 .188 1988 Tom Landry DAL 3-13 .188 1977 Hank Stram NO 3-11 .214 1973 Weeb Ewbank NYJ 4-10 .286 Source: ESPN Stats & Information

The Seahawks' struggles this season could place Mike Holmgren on a short list of Super Bowl-winning head coaches who suffered through horrible final seasons.

Holmgren hasn't decided whether to coach again once he steps down from the Seahawks after this season. If the Seahawks fail to win at least three of their final six games and Holmgren stays retired, he would supplant Weeb Ewbank on the list of five Super Bowl-winning coaches with the worst winning percentages in their final seasons.

Part of me suspects Holmgren might enjoy retirement enough to simply walk away from the game and possibly dabble in broadcasting. Another part of me says Holmgren couldn't resist taking a Bill Parcells-type job, if offered. And then part of me wonders if he would make one last run at a head-coaching job, perhaps armed with more control over personnel.

What will the future bring for Holmgren once he steps down from his current job after the season?