Terrelle Pryor is good, but don’t forget about Tarvaris Jackson

Aug 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (7) passes against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Seahawks traded for Terrelle Pryor at the end of last month, there has been a lot of discussion about Pryor automatically becoming Russell Wilson‘s new No. 2 quarterback, but a lot of people are forgetting about someone.

Tarvaris Jackson, affectionately called T-Jax by teammates and fans.

Pryor is certainly an athletic quarterback that the Seahawks could use in a number of different scenarios, but don’t think he will be a sure thing as Wilson’s lead backup when the season starts.

The job is Jackson’s for the time being and it was well-earned and well-deserved.

Seattle signed Jackson to a guaranteed one-year deal this offseason and the veteran will be looking to expand his role as Wilson’s right-hand man next year.

Jackson has been in the league since 2006, though he spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Seahawks in 2011.

Given the opportunity to be Seattle’s full-time starter that year, Jackson was decent, completing 60 percent of his passes for 3,091 and 14 touchdowns along with 13 interceptions. The Seahawks finished 7-9 that year, third in the NFC West.

Last season, as Wilson’s full-time backup, Jackson completed 10 of 13 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown.

His maturity and discipline through the process of taking the backseat to Wilson have made him a very respected part of the Seahawks.

“He’s gone through a lot and he’s handled it like a pro every single time,” said offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell in December. “I’ve never seen him flinch. I’ve just seen him handle it exactly the way that you want a guy to.”

Bevell also coached Jackson when the pair worked together in Minnesota.

“He’s respected as a teammate in the locker room,” Bevell said.

The addition of Pryor poses an interesting dilemma for the Seahawks. If Pryor performs well in training camp and earns a role as the backup quarterback, it could potentially make Jackson trade bait.

Jackson’s services, while appreciated, would likely no longer be needed.

On the other hand, if Pryor fails to perform up to expectations or if his attitude poses a problem, the Seahawks will be set with Jackson as their backup.

A professional on the field and off of it, Seattle would be pleased to bring Jackson in again as they look to make another run at the Super Bowl.