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With Rashaad Penny expected to begin the 2020 regular season on the physically unable to perform list, it has been anticipated that the Seahawks would add another running back.
At the start of free agency, it was reported Seattle had touched base with Isaiah Crowell, who missed all of 2019 with an injury. Though a running back wasn’t signed, the following month saw them draft a tailback in DeeJay Dallas and sign two others as UDFAs.
Despite the additions, the Seahawks are still searching for another body to add to the position group, and have reportedly now looked towards one of the bigger names on the market, according to Adam Caplan: former Falcons running back Devonta Freeman.
Man, @caplannfl is on fire @FantasyPts. Just said #Seahawks have made an offer to Devonta Freeman because they don't think Rashaad Penny will be ready for Week 1.
— Joe Dolan (@FG_Dolan) May 20, 2020
Freeman is asking for more than the offer. Seahawks holding their position.
As Caplan added, Seattle’s offer to Freeman did not meet his asking price, and it’s fair to wonder if they will. In 14 games in 2019, Freeman rushed for just 656 yards on a lowly 3.6 yards per carry. In 2018, Freeman played just two games before suffering a season-ending injury. Now 28 and several years removed from a productive campaign, Freeman may have fallen off the cliff all tailbacks eventually reach.
NFL Network’s Michael Silver put a number on the offer made to Freeman, saying it was a deal worth up to $4 million.
The Seahawks' offer to free agent RB Devonta Freeman is a one-year deal that would be worth up to $4 million. He has also attracted interest from the Jets and Eagles.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) May 20, 2020
Between Freeman’s lack of recent production and what would be an unstable position on the roster, the Seahawks’ reported offer is strikingly high (though we don’t know the specifics of that $4 million). With Chris Carson, Travis Homer and Dallas healthy, as well as the pair of UDFAs, Freeman could fail to make the 53-man roster when signed; at best, he could lose his job upon Penny’s mid-season return.
Regardless of the direction Seattle ends up going, it appears they are not yet satisfied with their running back room. With a handful of veterans still on the market, another player is sure to be added.