Seahawks reach agreement with Julius Jones

The Seahawks have reached an agreement with free-agent running back Julius Jones tonight, according to a report on the league's official Web site.

Jones' agent did not return phone messages today and the Seahawks' policy is not to comment before contracts are signed and approved. ESPN.com reported it is a four-year agreement that will average about $3 million per season.

Jones is the second running back Seattle has signed this week. Seattle agreed to terms with T.J. Duckett on a multiyear contract earlier.

The immediate question is what this move means for Shaun Alexander, the franchise's leading rusher who was the league MVP in 2005. Alexander has seen his rushing average decline in consecutive years and he is scheduled to make $4 million next season.

However, the Seahawks do not need to release Alexander to make room for Jones, so his addition does not necessarily equate to Alexander's subtraction.

Jones will turn 27 in August. A second-round draft choice from Notre Dame in 2004, he played the past four seasons in Dallas. His carries declined in 2007 as Marion Barber got more work out for the Cowboys.

Jones' best game as a pro was in Seattle in 2004 when he rushed for 198 yards and three touchdowns in a Monday night game.