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Eddie Lacy always seemed a weird fit in Green Bay. In the NFL, the offense runs through the quarterback to be sure. But, even by shieldball standards, the Pack are prodigious passers and are going to put their hopes and dreams and title aspirations on the incredible arm of Aaron Rodgers.
That’s why today’s FA signing in Seattle makes more a lot of sense from both the player and team perspectives. Russell Wilson is the heart and soul of the offense, sure. But that is a balanced offense, and Coach Pete Carroll will ride the ground game to the playoffs. The Seahawks are at their best as a physical force, and few are as big and physical as No. 42/27/whatever number he gets in Seattle.
Conor Orr has an excellent write-up on the signing, as well as Lacy’s background in Green Bay, including his weight struggles and revamped conditioning and weight loss. Apparently the Seahawks think there’s plenty of mileage on those legs and that he can stay in shape: Over half of the money is guaranteed. And it’s a good contract for a one-year make-or-break deal.
Lacy's representatives, Sports Trust Advisors, announced on Twitter he has agreed to terms with team. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the deal is for just one year and $5.5 million, including $3 million fully guaranteed.
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This prove-it season for Lacy will come down to conditioning and health, two points of struggle for the former Alabama star. After a breakout rookie campaign where he rushed for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns, his yards, attempts and touchdown totals dropped with each year. Lacy played in just five games this season and was placed on injured reserve in October.
Don’t pencil Weezy in as the starter just yet: NFL.com is also reporting that Jamaal Charles is still visiting the ‘Hawks this weekend. The Lacy signing and that continued interest at least show that Carroll is serious about getting a quality feature back or a platoon of them — and preferably physical ones.
Best of luck to Lacy, the NFL’s one-time offensive ROY and two-time all-pro, who has all the physical gifts to still have the best of a nice little career in front of him.