The NFL has suspended Seahawks’ linebacker LeRoy Hill one game for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He’ll miss Seattle’s opener against the 49ers on September 12.

For all intents and purposes, Hill should consider himself fortunate. In January of last year, he was arrested in Atlanta for marijuana possession after the police found him passed out behind the wheel of his car at an intersection. In April of this year, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and as of July 14, the trial remains ongoing.

It’s a possibility that Roger Goodell suspended him one game for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy and is now waiting for the legal process to work itself out before issuing another suspension. It would be shocking if Hill weren’t suspended for more games than one, seeing as how he has had multiple off-field infractions.

Of course, another suspension should be the least of Hill’s concerns. The Seahawks have kept him out of offseason practices in order to avoid an injury that would guarantee him his $6 million base salary. Now that he’s been suspended, his contract can be voided.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that Hill isn’t part of the Seahawks’ long-term plans, so maybe the team will try to trade him if they can find a suitor. But chances are they won’t, which means an outright release is a major possibility. Either way, he doesn’t seem long for Seattle.

Notable Free Agents: Leroy Hill, LB; Leonard Weaver, FB; Maurice Morris, RB; Rocky Bernard, DT; Bobby Engram, WR.

Projected 2009 Cap Space: $900,000

Draft Order: 4

Top Needs: The Hawks need to add depth to an offensive line that has injury and age concerns. The defensive line could stand to add depth as well and this team really needs a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball. Safety and even quarterback could be addressed as well.

Offseason Outlook: Jim Mora is set to take over the reins in Seattle as Mike Holmgren puts his coaching career on hold. Perhaps the biggest thing that needs to be addressed this offseason is something the Seahawks have no control over – health. The injury bug hit this team like a runaway train last year and it never recovered.

Many early mocks have the Hawks selecting Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree with the fourth overall pick. Not a bad choice considering this team needs a major playmaker on the offensive side of the ball and Crabtree is easily the best wideout of the ’09 draft class. It’s hard to argue against taking a 6’3�, 214-pound receiver who has outstanding leaping ability and soft hands. If he winds up in Seattle, he would dramatically upgrade the wideout position.