The Seattle Seahawks have a solid back-up tandem with Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, but need to add depth to the position as both backs are in rehab following serious late season injuries. While Marshawn Lynch remains a possibility, Brady Henderson of ESPN reports the team is still interested in signing Alex Collins.
Collins, who worked with the Seahawks last December, was dropped in favor of Lynch. Collins had 114 runs for 411 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games (3.6 yards per carry) for the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, missing the last six games after a foot injury. It happened a year after his release with 212 runs for 973 yards and six touchdowns (4.6 yards per run).
A former Seahawks fifth round pick, 25-year-old Collins has 357 carries for 1,509 yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons in the NFL, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
Collins was suspended three games by the NFL for an arrest involving a car accident in March, after officials detected a smell of marijuana at the crash site. Collins was charged with possession with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana greater than 10 grams and possession of a handgun in a vehicle. He was released on $ 7,500 bail and the Ravens gave it up soon after. Since Collins was not part of a team last season, he can sign with any team before the start of free agency on March 18.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll unsure if Lynch returns, months after retiring to help Seattle with its playoffs. Lynch scored four touchdowns in three games after returning (including two in a division round against the Green Bay Packers). Lynch had 30 runs for 67 yards and four touchdowns in three games.
If Lynch, who turns 34 in April, decides to call it a career, he will finish with 10,413 yards and 85 touchdowns in 12 seasons. Lynch made five Pro Bowls and had six 1,000-yard seasons, leading the league twice.
The Seahawks may need to launch an emergency plan in case Lynch does not decide to return. Collins could get the first hit to fill that void.
