Fred Jackson agrees to 1-year deal with Seahawks

Though Jackson posted a career-worst 3.7 yards per carry last season, he recorded career highs in receptions and receiving yards. The veteran tailback gained over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last year for the fifth time in his career.

Despite his age, Jackson has shown he can still be a valuable contributor out of the backfield. The Bills’ decision to release him came as a surprise -- Buffalo GM Doug Whaley called it a “difficult decision” -- but it appears it was largely financially motivated. The team will save around $2.5 million now that he’s not on the roster.

Marshawn Lynch is firmly entrenched as the starter in Seattle, but Jackson’s versatility and blocking skills should make him Lynch’s primary backup. Lynch and Jackson, who played in Buffalo together for more than three seasons, already have a close relationship:

Currently, Robert Turbin, Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls are listed as Lynch’s backups, but Jackson’s signing likely spells the end of a career in Seattle for one of them. Turbin suffered a “significant” high-ankle sprain against the San Diego Chargers, and his availability for the start of the season appears to be in doubt. Michael, a second-round pick in 2013, has disappointed in his time with the Seahawks, though he’s put together a better performance this preseason.

Like many members of the Bills’ backfield, Jackson missed time due to injury this summer. He sat out the first two preseason games with a hamstring issue before returning Saturday against Pittsburgh. Jackson carried the ball for a 41-yard gain on his first play from scrimmage, and then found the end zone two plays later. He finished with 48 yards on five carries.

Jackson has rushed for 5,646 yards in his career and scored a total of 37 touchdowns. The only year he’s rushed for more than 1,000 yards was in 2009, when he averaged 4.5 yards per carry.