SEATTLE – A former teammate of Marshawn Lynch may soon be his backup with the Seahawks.
It may mean Christine Michael's days with the team are numbered.
Running back Fred Jackson, who was just released by the Buffalo Bills, is flying to Seattle Tuesday to meet with the Seahawks.
Head coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday part of the reason they are bringing in Jackson is because Robert Turbin suffered a high ankle sprain.
Jackson, 34, was third on Buffalo's all-time rushing list behind Thurman Thomas an O.J. Simpson. He was cut in what is widely considered to be a salary cap move.
Jackson and Lynch played together on the Bills from 2007 through the first part of the 2010 season before Lynch was traded to Seattle.
Pro Football Talk reports Jackson's relationship with Lynch is also playing a role in the team's interest.
Because of his age, Jackson would not be seen as a potential successor to Lynch unlike Michael or Turbin.
If Jackson were to be signed and stay with the team after Turbin gets healthy, it remains to be seen if Jackson would be the No. 2 running back behind Lynch or No. 3 behind Turbin. Presuming the Seahawks would keep just three backs on the active roster for the regular season, Turbin would remain and Michael would likely be the odd man out.
Michael, a 2013 second-round draft pick, has shown signs of explosiveness, but has been inconsistent. He's played 14 of a possible 32 regular season games in his first two years and has yet to score a touchdown. He's averaged 4.9 yards on 52 carries in that time and has caught just one pass. He also has reportedly never touched the ball in the playoffs.
Michael has two years left on his contract, due to earn $711,766 this year and $865,149 in 2016.
Jackson was due to make $2.35 million with the Bills this season, but given his age and declining production (525 yards, 3.7 yards per carry in 2014), the Seahawks would likely be able to sign him at a significant discount.
