Fred Jackson Agrees to 1-Year Contract with Seahawks
Within hours after his release from the Buffalo Bills, there was much conjecture about Fred Jackson’s future move. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Seattle Seahawks and Jackson reached an agreement on a one-year contract on Friday.
With no established alternative after superstar Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks would be an ideal landing spot for Jackson. According to Ty Dunne of the Buffalo News, Lynch and Jackson are still close from their time with the Bills, and Rapoport adds that Jackson has often referred to Lynch as his younger brother, implying that the Seahawks star would be supportive of the transfer.
Brian Nemhauser of HawkBlogger.com suggested the move could spell the end of Christine Michael’s tenure with the club.
Rapoport reported “numerous playoff teams” expressed interest in Jackson. Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News said the Ravens were among those teams.
Jackson rushed for 525 yards and two touchdowns last season, splitting time with Anthony Dixon and C.J. Spiller. It was the fourth time in Jackson’s career he led the Bills in rushing, though it coincided with his second-worst season since becoming a full-time fixture in the offense.
The Bills have turned their starting running back gig over to LeSean McCoy, whom they acquired in an offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The prospect of paying Jackson’s $2.35 million and the presence of Dixon and promising rookie Karlos Williams likely played a large part in Buffalo moving on.
As for Jackson, it’s rare to find a market for 34-year-old running backs, but the veteran has found a spot with a Super Bowl contender and may have a chance to get a ring before he hangs up his cleats.
