Why the Eddie Lacy signing is a smart move

While it isn’t without some risk, the Seattle Seahawks made a smart move by by bringing in veteran running back Eddie Lacy on a 1-year deal.

In today’s social media world of constant streams of information it’s practically old news that running back Eddie Lacy has signed with the Seattle Seahawks. There seems to be somewhat of a mixed reaction to this  development and that’s to be expected.

Some think that Lacy’s constant battles with weight gain may be an ongoing issue. Other’s wonder if he can stay healthy after playing in just five games last season. Further objections include his guaranteed $3 million dollar salary (as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter). Still some wonder if Lacy is even a good back just 4 years into his career. Those are all fair points, but at first glance I think the Eddie Lacy signing is a smart move by the Seahawks.

First of all it’s a smart move because the Seahawks could certainly use some depth in the backfield. Last year the running backs on the roster had a difficult time staying healthy. I don’t know if we saw Thomas Rawls or CJ Prosise at 100 percent all season. Bringing another capable ball carrier in gives the team more assurance should the injury bug continue to bite . After all, it’s unlikely that all three of them will be injured at the same time (knock on wood).

I’m sure some will argue that Lacy has struggled to stay healthy himself. While that may be true in regards to his diet, Lacy has actually proven to be somewhat durable over his short career. Before last season’s ankle injury kept him out for the final eleven weeks of the season, Lacy had only missed two games over three seasons. That gives reason to believe he isn’t necessarily injury prone.

Aside from greater backfield depth, Lacy provides the Seahawks with a good old fashioned, hard-nosed, power runner. The offensive line is a work in progress and it would be unwise to bet on them being markedly better than last season. With that said, having a big, physically imposing back could help cancel out some of the deficiencies up front. When Lacy is at his best, he’s a load to bring down. At the very least he can give the team some of those Marshawn-like efforts that turns a three yard loss into a two yard gain. That’s something the Seahawks missed dearly last year.

There’s been some groaning about the Seahawks paying Lacy a contract that guarantees $3 million. I really don’t mind that contract. I actually think it’s a pretty good deal. The team is only on the hook for one season. If he doesn’t pan out, they can wash their hands of him. In today’s NFL landscape $3 million really isn’t a salary cap crushing number. Worst case, Lacy doesn’t produce and you hope Rawls, Prosise and others can find a rhythm. Best case, Lacy is a huge success and ends up making Seattle the deepest running back group in the league. At that point, $3 million not only seems reasonable, but it becomes a bargain.

Heck, let’s even say the worse case scenario does play out. Say Lacy comes in and turns out to be a complete flop. Instead of weighing 240lbs, he’s suiting up at 290 and shows no signs of reversing course. Not to worry. Just send him over to coach Cable. He’d need some coaching up, but not any more than a George Fant, Garry Gilliam or JR Sweezy. Lacy would be the most athletic guard in the NFL and the Seahawks would still be able to address a major need.

Next: The Seahawks missed the boat on the offensive line

Obviously I’m joking about potentially moving Lacy to guard. Well, sort of. However, there really isn’t a scenario where this signing will come back to haunt Seattle. It’s a relatively low risk, high reward deal and I think it’s one Pete Carroll and John Schneider were thrilled to make.

All things considered, I’d say signing Eddie Lacy was definitely a smart move.