The Seattle Seahawks filled a void in their backfield by signing Fred Jackson Sunday night, according to Seahawks reporter John Boyle.
Prior to his signing, the Seahawks moved Robert Turbin to injured reserve, and then traded Christine Michael to the Cowboys, leaving a hole behind Marshawn Lynch. The addition of Jackson fills that hole, and will provide a good third down back for passing downs.
"I've asked him to really dig into the throwing game so that he can be a third-down guy for us," said Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, according to Seahawks.com. "He's not going to have any trouble with the run game, he'll know what's going on there, he'll pick that up, but the pass protection stuff is really what will tax him the most."
Jackson had 66 receptions last season for 501 yards, while Lynch had 37 receptions for 367 yards. Lynch can catch the ball out of the backfield, but his effort is better used in the running game, which makes the addition of Jackson impactful.
This is a reunion for Jackson and Lynch as the two played together in Buffalo for three full seasons. Lynch was a big impact in motivating Jackson to visit the Seahawks and their preexisting relationship helped get the visit in motion, according to NBC Sports reporter Mike Florio.
Jackson will likely be the second back behind Lynch, and will be used in pass protection third downs. His ability to roll out and make a catch after making a chip block is a talent the Seahawks needed. The team open their schedule against their NFC West rival the St. Louis Rams this Sunday, and it will be likely that Jackson is in the game on passing third-down situations.
