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Edgerrin is in. Duckett is out. And Seattle's backfield has just been completely re-worked.
The Seahawks have signed Edgerrin James to a one-year deal. He's expected to share time with Julius Jones. And they've also cut the cord with T.J. Duckett, who previously appeared to be headed for the team's short-yardage role.
A report on ESPN.com indicates the Seahawks have agreed to a contract with James, but that he hasn't yet officially signed the paperwork. It should be announced on Tuesday morning.
And a report on ProFootballTalk.com says Seattle has released Duckett.
With a backfield of Jones and James, the Seahawks might not have a clearly defined goal-line back. Previously, they used Duckett on all of those plays. By our count, Duckett was successful on 21 of 25 short-yardage carries last year, one of the best ratios in the league.
Seattle also has second-year back Justin Forsett, who'll likely play on passing downs. Forsett caught all 7 passes thrown his way in the last preseason game.
—Ian Allan
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Posted by TOM KILGORE | Aug. 24 at 03:57 PM
I don't mean to be pessimistic but didn't Franco Harris sign with the Seahawks, too?
Posted by BRYAN BERTSCH | Aug. 25 at 02:58 AM
Maybe the Steelers finally have their goal line plunger! Where else do you see Duckett possibly going?
Posted by IAN ALLAN | Aug. 25 at 04:01 AM
I don't see him going to Pittsburgh. I think the Steelers would prefer to use Mendenhall in that role -- I don't think they want to do anything that might slow Mendenhall's development. I don't see any team being excited to bring in Duckett. He might have to sit for a while. To me, four teams makes the most sense: Houston, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Detroit, Philadelphia, St. Louis. Texans definitely need and want a short-yardage back; Chris Brown looks improved this year, but he's never been a great goal-line runner. In Jacksonville, Maurice Jones-Drew is a great back, but they need to find a way to reduce his workload. Saints might be interested, but Mike Bell seems to have stepped up as the No. 3 back there. Philadelphia had goal-line problems last year. Detroit and St. Louis are simply short on talent.