Charlie Whitehurst received offers from both the Cardinals and Seahawks. (Paul Spinelli / Associated Press)

The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks have extended contract offers to Chargers restricted free-agent QB Charlie Whitehurst, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Whitehurst, San Diego’s No. 3 quarterback behind Philip Rivers and Billy Volek, will make a decision on which offer sheet to sign within the next 48 hours, according to the source.

Once Whitehurst signs a contract, San Diego has seven days to match the offer. If the Chargers decline, the team that he signs with would owe San Diego a third-round pick (the restricted tender the Chargers placed on Whitehurst) unless other terms could be negotiated. Seattle currently doesn’t have a third-round selection in the 2010 draft because it traded it to Philadelphia last year in order to move up in the draft and select WR Deon Butler. However, Seattle has discussed other forms of compensation that have met guidelines approved by San Diego.

The fact that the Cardinals and the Seahawks have extended offers to the fourth-year veteran who has yet to throw an NFL pass means, at the very least, that they plan to add depth behind Matt Leinart and Matt Hasselbeck, respectively. It is more likely that Whitehurst could get an opportunity to compete with both quarterbacks, who aren’t locks to start for their teams in 2010.

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