The Houston Texans decided to move on from their franchise leading rusher this past week as they released running back Arian Foster. The talented running back is expected to have plenty of interest from teams this offseason, but he would make a strong fit with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016.
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch's agent has already confirmed his retirement, and while undrafted running back Thomas Rawls proved himself last season, Seattle's front office will likely still be in the market for a running back.
It's unknown if Seattle will target a running back in the 2016 NFL Draft or plan to acquire one in free agency this offseason, and their salary cap will likely play a major factor in those decisions. Seattle's top priority this offseason should be rebuilding their offensive line, as they need to protect franchise quarterback Russell Wilson.
While offensive line is the priority, there is no doubting that a healthy Foster would have a huge impact on Seattle's offense. Foster only played in four games last season with groin surgery in the preseason and torn Achilles in late October, but he has proven to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league when healthy.
In 2014, Foster rushed for 1,246 yards and scored eight touchdowns in 13 games, and he is a versatile running back that can catch passes out of the backfield. Seahawks third down passing running back Fred Jackson is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason, and Foster would give Seattle a huge boost in their backfield in 2016.
The former Texans running back has been cleared to resume jogging recently and is preparing to play next season. Salary and health will be the two major factors for general manager John Schneider, as the team has multiple holes that they are looking to fill and won't want to overpay for the veteran running back.
Seattle has made the playoffs four straight seasons, and it's unknown if Foster would be willing to take less money to land with a postseason contender. The free agent running back turns 30 years old prior to next season and has never made it past the divisional round of the playoffs. Foster has said that he is only playing three to four more seasons and could end his career on a high-note if he were to join Seattle.
It's unknown if Foster would be willing to take less money to join a contending franchise, but it's hard not to imagine the success that he could find in Seattle in tandem with Rawls in the Seahawks backfield.
