Seahawks sign RB Bryce Brown

The Seattle Seahawks have added an intriguing running back to their roster, signing 24 year old Bryce Brown today. WR B.J. Daniels was released to make room.

Brown, 24, is 6’0″, 220 lbs. He was originally a 7th round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, and burst onto the scene his rookie year starting two games in place of an injured LeSean McCoy.

In those two starts he carried 43 times for 347 yards and 4 TD’s. He also fumbled three times, and once McCoy returned he managed only 40 more carries over the final 4 games. His second year in Philly, he carried 75 times for 314 yards and 2 TD’s.

He was traded to Buffalo before the 2014 season, but played in only 7 games and was released after week #1 this year.

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An nfl.com reporter is speculating Brown’s signing could signal the end of Fred Jackson’s time in Seattle, but that seems way off base. Jackson’s salary for 2015 is fully guaranteed, and Brown hasn’t put on a helmet in 6 weeks. More likely, it’s a sign that rookie Thomas Rawls calf injury may be significant enough to force him to miss the Dallas game Sunday. If Rod Smith had still been available, he would have been the likely move here, but Smith was claimed off waivers by the Cowboys when the Seahawks tried to slide him back to the practice squad a few weeks ago. The only reason Brown’s signing is a bit more newsworthy is because of his backstory.

Brown was once the #1 high school recruit in the nation. A rare blend of size, power and speed, he was sought after by all the major college football programs, but his recruitment became a major fiasco. Holly Anderson detailed it all in this Sports Illustrated piece from 2011. Because of all the controversy, and having to change programs, Brown’s star fell quickly; from #1 recruit to 7th round draft pick. He’s still young and talented, and the Hawks have been known to give players with unusual backgrounds (Brandon Browner, Mike Williams) a chance before. But in this case, Brown is likely no more than injury insurance. At best, he may stick on the roster until after the bye week when a spot will need to be opened for Paul Richardson’s official return from the PUP list.

But if Rawls responds and can practice on Thursday, something Pete Carroll said is still a possibility, then Brown’s stay in Seattle could be much shorter than that.

Next: NFC West Roundup, Cards still on top

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