Fansided

Seattle Seahawks sign C.J. Spiller to one-year deal

By Ian Pierno

Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

At one point in his career, C.J. Spiller was a top pick in fantasy football drafts and a Pro Bowler. After a largely ineffective year in New Orleans, Spiller is back in the NFL after reportedly signing a deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

One of the most electrifying college football players of the past decade, expectations were high for Clemson alumnus C.J. Spiller. After taking two years to crack the starting lineup, Spiller’s burst came back as he rushed for 1,244 yards on 6.0 yards per carry with the Buffalo Bills in 2012. Since then, injuries have frustrated Spiller (and his fantasy owners) as he’s barely surpassed 1,300 yards combined over the past three seasons.

After an unsuccessful stint in New Orleans last year and workouts with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets this fall, Spiller has finally found a new club, heading to the Pacific Northwest to join the Seattle Seahawks.

Spiller is being brought on to add depth after Thomas Rawls, the Seahawks’ leading rusher in 2015-2016, suffered a fibula injury that’ll have him sidelined for several weeks.

More NFL coverage from FanSided

Each team’s best draft pick of all-time

Heisman winners with best NFL careers

30 best NFL coaches of all-time

Backup running back Christine Michael proved he can handle a high workload, carrying the ball 20 times for 106 yards last week, so it’s unlikely Spiller will have a shot at cracking the starting lineup. Regardless, Spiller provides a change of pace that could allow him to make a difference or perhaps break off a long run or two for the Seahawks against the No. 23 run defense of the San Francisco 49ers.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best RB of All-Time

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is also listed as questionable—though, Pete Carroll said he would be surprised if Wilson doesn’t play. Spiller could also be an option as an easy target on screen passes and in the flat for the young quarterback, as Spiller has 192 career receptions, compared to just 11 for Michael. 

Do you think Spiller can resurrect his career with the Seahawks?

Home/Seattle Seahawks