Seattle Seahawks Rumors: Fred Jackson Signing Would Give Offense A New Dimension


The Seattle Seahawks are rumored to be signing free agent running back Fred Jackson, a move that could give the team’s offense a new dimension.

Jackson, who was both the oldest running back in the NFL and was the longest-tenured player with the Buffalo Bills, was the most surprising cut so far this preseason. The Bills released Jackson on Monday, just two days after he returned to action from a hamstring injury and took his first preseason carry for 41 yards. Jackson scored two plays later, a performance that had many believing he was ready to take the No. 2 spot in the Bills backfield behind LeSean McCoy.

But instead, the Bills cut Jackson, announcing the move early on Monday.

“Today, we had to make the difficult decision to release Fred Jackson,” Bills general manager Doug Whaley said in a statement on the team’s official website. “He had an incredible career for this organization for the past 10 years. We thank Fred for his hard work, dedication, and leadership during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills. Fred has inspired the city of Buffalo in a number of ways. Fred and his family have been dedicated to this community and we can’t thank them enough for their contributions through his career.”

Fred Jackson may not be a free agent for long. Reports on Tuesday indicate that he is flying to Seattle, and that a deal with the Seahawks is already in the works, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported.

Though Jackson is 34, he still has a lot to offer the Seattle Seahawks. He led the Buffalo Bills in rushing last season, though both he and C.J. Spiller were battling injuries for much of it.

Jackson has been known as a multidimensional back during his career, and with the Bills often moved into the slot for passing plays. He is also strong in the screen game, and excels at pass protection.

As he has aged, Fred Jackson has also adapted his running style to adapt. This offseason, he added muscle so he could excel more as a short-yardage back, a role that could take pressure off Marshawn Lynch in Seattle.

And Jackson could have a lot more in the tank. As Bills training camp started this year, he had a bold prediction for how long he could be in the league.

“One of my goals, and it’s not far out of reach, is to be the oldest running back to take a carry in the league,” Jackson told the Buffalo News. “I think it was Marcus Allen at 37.”

“That’s the goal: to be the oldest running back to take a carry in the league.”

If the rumors are true, the Seattle Seahawks could have Fred Jackson signed by the end of the day on Tuesday.

[Image via Getty Images]

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