Running back C.J. Spiller found no shortage of interest in his services during the two-plus weeks he was unemployed, reports Rand Getlin (Twitter link).
Spiller, whom the Saints released Sept. 13, signed with the Seahawks on Wednesday, but Seattle was only one of eight teams that reached out to him. Spiller could have joined any of those clubs a week ago, per Getlin, who tweets that the 29-year-old had the luxury of being selective because his $1.7MM salary with the Saints is guaranteed. New Orleans also paid Spiller a $1.55MM bonus after he cracked its opening roster, though the ex-Clemson star was inactive for Week 1 and on the outs two days later.
The Seahawks were one of at least three teams that met with Spiller, joining the Packers and Jets, and his visit went so well that Seattle immediately secured him to a deal. Their hope is that Spiller will serve as a quality complement to Christine Michael, who has been the lone bright spot in a running game that ranks 15th in the NFL in yardage and tied for 26th in yards per carry. Michael has averaged a terrific 5.2 yards per rush on 45 attempts, while Thomas Rawls, Alex Collins, Terrence Magee and C.J. Prosise have combined for a paltry 47 yards on 29 carries. Rawls is currently felled by a cracked fibula, and the Seahawks waived Magee after signing Spiller.
While Spiller hasn’t been much of a threat over the past couple years, the 2010 ninth overall pick is an upgrade on paper over the Seahawks’ contingent of non-Michael options. Spiller was at his best as a rusher and pass catcher in Buffalo from 2011-13, but his numbers declined in 2014 and he then inked a deal in free agency with the Saints. Spiller averaged just 3.1 yards per carry on 36 attempts last season, though he did catch 34 passes and two touchdowns during his 13-game Saints tenure.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Great addition for Seattle and Cj Spoiler for every one else!