Report: Seahawks host ex-Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart

The Seattle Seahawks need to address the running back situation (again) this offseason, and one name that’s popped up is former Carolina Panthers star Jonathan Stewart.

NFL Network’s Mike Garofalo reported that Stewart is visiting the Seahawks on Thursday. Stewart is Carolina’s all-time leading rusher, but the team cut him just a few weeks ago.

The 30-year-old Stewart is a native of Washington who played at Timberline High School, then ultimately played his college ball at Oregon. Carolina drafted him 13th overall in 2008, and famously formed a partnership with DeAngelo Williams for seven seasons. Stewart was really ineffective in 2017, rushing for just 680 yards on 198 carries, giving him a career-low 3.4 yards per carry. His DVOA and DYAR were almost at the very bottom among RBs with at least 100 carries. Stewart’s YPC has gone down each of the last three seasons, and he’s also lost eight fumbles since 2014.

Stewart turns 31 later this month, but Seattle isn’t necessarily one to shy away from picking up faded running backs. This team did sign Fred Jackson in 2015, and he was 34 years old. The major difference is that Jackson at least still had value as a receiver/3rd down option. Stewart has only amassed 16 receptions over the last two years, so that’s out the window.

Other than the sentimental value of getting to play in his home state, I have my doubts that this visit turns into an actual signing.