The Seattle Seahawks have brought in Fred Jackson for a physical and while a deal has not yet been competed, reports have the team interested in signing the running back to a contract. Jackson likely would serve as the main backup for Marshawn Lynch along with Robert Turbin and Christine Michael and he could be a solid fantasy football option for Russell Wilson if he inks a deal.
Jackson was one of the first waves of cuts for the Bills heading into the final preseason game and now he could end up in Seattle. According to ESPN, Jackson came and visited with the team for a physical, but head coach Pete Carroll said "no deal" has been reached between the sides. Seattle was the first team to emerge as a landing spot for Jackson and he could end up with his former Bills teammate Marshawn Lynch in the Seahawks backfield.
Carroll said that the team is interested and wants to see where Jackson is physically. Jackson is 34-years-old and he leaves the Bills after being with the team since 2007. Jackson has been very productive for the Bills over the years and he is a skilled receiver out of the backfield. Lynch will be the lead back no matter what, but Adam Schefter reports that Lynch is in favor of bringing his former teammate to Seattle, as the two have a close relationship.
Russell Wilson likely would welcome another solid weapon and it could give the Seahawks one of the best one-two punches in the league. Jackson was going to make over $2 million this season and he was cut for financial and depth issues. The Bills have LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown, Karlos Williams and Boobie Dixon, so someone had to go. ESPN reports that GM Doug Whaley may have went "rogue" on making the Jackson move, but either way he is now not a member of the Bills.
The Seahawks could use another running back right now, as Turbin is dealing with an ankle injury and Michael is not a great backup option for Lynch. Jackson would provide some veteran depth and leadership and he also could be a good presence for the unique Lynch in the locker room. Jackson comes in after having a productive season with the Bills, rushing for over 500 yards and putting up 66 catches for 501 receiving yards.
Lynch doesn't usually give away much to his backups and last season Turbin had a career low 74 carries for 310 yards. With Turbin and Michael not anything special catching the ball either, Jackson would be a good fit for the Seahawks and a deal could happen soon if the team feels the physical went well. Turbin is dealing with a high ankle sprain and those can linger and that could mean Turbin may miss the first game of the season for the Seahawks. Adding Jackson would be a big help in that regard and he is a good option to spell Lynch when the team needs to give him a breather.
