Originally published Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Seahawks | 252-pound T.J. Duckett is big backfield addition
The Seahawks hope they found a big answer to their third-and-short struggles. Real big. As in 252-pound running back T. J. Duckett, who told The...
Seattle Times staff reporter
The Seahawks hope they found a big answer to their third-and-short struggles.
Real big.
As in 252-pound running back T.J. Duckett, who told The Associated Press he has agreed to a five-year contract with Seattle. The team has made no announcement and calls to Duckett's agent have not been returned this week.
Now, before everyone starts wondering about the trickle-down effect for Seattle's other backs, Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris, remember that Duckett is a player the Seahawks tried to sign in free agency last year. Alexander's status with the team wasn't a question then, but the Seahawks saw Duckett as a complementary piece in their backfield. A rather large complementary piece.
Duckett signed with Detroit instead of Seattle last year and he gained the majority of his 335 rushing yards the final four games. He even had his first 100-yard rushing game since 2003.
Duckett, 27, is a former first-round pick, chosen with the 18th overall selection in 2002 from Michigan State. The Seahawks will be his fourth team in the past four seasons, though, as he bounced from the Falcons to Washington to the Lions. He played for Jim Mora in Atlanta in 2004 and 2005. Seahawks president Tim Ruskell was with the Falcons in 2004.
Duckett will be the second free agent the Seahawks have signed this season. Tight end Jeb Putzier was the first. The Seahawks announced they signed him to a one-year contract. Putzier has played in the NFL six years, the past two with Houston. His most productive seasons were 2004 and 2005 in Denver, when he caught 73 passes in that two-year span.
Notes
• The Seahawks hired Mike DeBord to serve as offensive assistant. DeBord is a former assistant at Michigan under Lloyd Carr where he started as offensive line coach and eventually moved to assistant head coach and then offensive coordinator. He was not retained by Michigan after Carr retired.
• Defensive tackle Chuck Darby, a free agent, was in Detroit on Tuesday and was in discussion with the Lions on a contract.
• Defensive lineman Ellis Wyms is scheduled to take free-agent visits to Tennessee and Minnesota this week.
Danny O'Neil: 206-464-2364 or doneil@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Mora's words, Seahawks' losses reverberate loudly
Jerry Brewer: Let the scrutiny begin of snakebit Seahawks
In Philly, Dallas' Romo back to face demons from humiliating loss
Every Seahawk on roster practices — even Sean Locklear

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- Heavy snow in Cascades shuts down roads
- UCLA game thread
940 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
336 - U.S. House passes health plan
316 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
229 - Decision day for health care in the House
207 - Grading the game
145 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
134 - Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
108 - Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread
74 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
72
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- How do innovators think?
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
- Tlingit heritage helps glass artist Preston Singletary break new ground
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall








