Report: Seahawks to release Duckett, sign NFL’s active leading rusher

By Adam McFadden • August 25, 2009 12:54 pm
T.J. Duckett in a drill during training camp at the VMAC in Renton.
T.J. Duckett in a drill during training camp at the VMAC in Renton.

The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly made two big moves that will drastically change the rushing game.

In the first, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the team will release T.J. Duckett.

To replace Duckett, the team has signed veteran running back Edgerrin James, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

James is the NFL’s active leading rusher with 12,121 yards. The 31-year-old spent the past three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. James averaged 1,191 rushing yards per season in his first two years with the Cardinals, but that production dipped to just 514 yards on 133 carries last season. It was the fewest carries of his career.

Reports vary on the value of his contract, but it is for one year.

Duckett rushed for 172 yards on 62 attempts as Seattle’s short-yardage specialist in 2008. He also scored eight touchdowns. His best game came in Week 3 when he rushed 19 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns. The release makes him an unrestricted free agent.

Duckett rushed six times for 17 yards in Seattle’s preseason games against Denver Aug. 22 and six times for 18 yards against San Diego Aug. 15.