Extending Seahawks Chris Carson: Pros, cons and a potential contract

There are not many running backs in the NFL who are tougher and a better schematic fit than the Seahawks Chris Carson. Let’s examine some pros, cons and how much I think Seattle would be willing to offer in a deal.

The Seahawks are known for extending players in the off-season prior to hitting free agency. They have a few big-name players slated to hit free agency in 2021. To name a few Shaquill Griffin, Quinton Dunbar, KJ Wright, Poona Ford and Chris Carson. Today, I want to focus on the pros, cons and market evaluation for Chris Carson.

The Seahawks drafted Chris Carson out of Oklahoma State in the 7th round in 2017. To many, he was viewed as a special team’s guy, a player who would simply come in to compete. However, in retrospect when you watched his college film closer, you realized he was special. Not only was he a special talent, but he fits the Seahawks MO to a tee.

He is a bruiser through and through. He is one of the hardest running backs to tackle in the league.  His work ethic is phenomenal and has shown to be a high character player. This includes the time he intentionally subbed out of the game after a big gain, so that his teammate, Rashaad Penny, could score.

In Carson’s 3 years playing for the Seahawks, he has broken 1,100 yards in consecutive seasons (2018 and 2019). During that two year stretch, we began to see a more of a complete running back form. We saw his receiving targets double from 2018 (20) to 2019 (47). He is one of three running backs with 100+ forced missed tackles since 2018 (Chubb 110, Carson 107, Henry 103). Last season, he had the 6th most broken tackles at 28, 3rd most yards after contact at 1,008.

He did all this while having the 3rd fewest yards before contact (including only players with the top 10 rushing attempts). Finally, he had the second-most first down runs (75) last year, trailing only Ezekiel Elliot (78). When something is on the line, such as a game-changing first down or touchdown, Carson is a player you want in the game.

The stats show just how talented and hard-working he is. He may not be the fastest, or the most athletic. However, there are very few running backs who will try as hard on every snap as he does and undoubtedly will continue to do. With a revamped offensive line, it’s quite possible he is just now scratching the surface.