According to reports out of Seattle tonight, Shaun Alexander apparently will be on hand when the Seahawks open training camp Friday. This after multiple reports indicate that the star running back has signed a one-year contract worth $6.32 million.

According to Seattle Times staff reporter Jose' Miguel Romero, the contract Alexander signed was not the club's franchise tender.

The deal contains language that prohibits the Seahawks from making Alexander their franchise player at the end of the season, meaning he can become an unrestricted free agent.

As ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli noted, there have been similar compromises, in which the club forfeits the right to use a franchise marker on a player, but such deals are rare.

Romero added that team officials and Alexander's agents are still planning to talk about a long-term deal, which is what Alexander sought in the first place and threatened to miss camp and regular-season time if such a deal was not agreed to.

If no long-term deal is reached by the end of this season, Alexander can hit the free-agent market and go wherever he chooses.

According to Romero, the contract also contains a clause whereby Alexander cannot be traded during the season without prior approval. His salary is also fully guaranteed, even if he is injured or his skills diminish.

The contract details were finalized this morning, but the deal had been discussed for several days.

NFL Network insider Adam Schefter first reported on this afternoon's edition of "Total Access" that Alexander showed up at the team facility today to talk to team president Tim Ruskell and sign his contract.

Alexander is expected to arrive at camp on Thursday afternoon.

At a glance, this deal seems to work quite well for both sides -- with what appears to be a slight edge going to Alexander. Better yet, it also appears to work in favor of Fantasy owners.

Now that he's guaranteed a shot at unfettered free agency next offseason, we might see a more intense, motivated and focused Alexander hit the field this fall as he attempts to cash in on his unrestricted status.

If that's indeed the case, everybody definitely comes out ahead.