The Seahawks have re-signed RB Alex Collins, as Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (via Twitter). Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times says it will be a veteran salary benefit deal (Twitter link).

The low-level commitment to Collins makes sense, as the 26-year-old back is still trying to reestablish himself in the league. Seattle selected Collins, an Arkansas product, in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. He was waived prior to final cutdowns in the summer of 2017, and the Ravens quickly scooped him up. At the time, it looked like a coup for Baltimore, as Collins piled up nearly 1,000 rushing yards on a healthy 4.6 YPC average in 2017 and entered the 2018 season at the top of the club’s RB depth chart. But a 2018 foot injury cut his season short, and his arrest in the 2019 offseason prompted the Ravens to drop him. He spent all of 2019 and a good chunk of 2020 out of football, ultimately joining Seattle’s taxi squad in November.

The ‘Hawks dealt with injuries to their RB room throughout the 2020 campaign, which created something of an opportunity for Collins. In three games (one start) for Seattle following his promotion, Collins totaled 18 carries for 77 yards and two TDs, and as of now, he is the most experienced back under contract. Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde are both eligible for unrestricted free agency, while the club is also rostering Rashaad Penny — who played just three games last season — and fellow youngsters Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas.

The team understandably hopes to keep Carson, but even if they do, Collins could represent a quality complementary piece at a discount rate.

The Seahawks have signed running back Alex Collins to the practice squad, per a club announcement. Collins will head to the practice squad alongside linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who was brought back after a brief hiatus. 

[RELATED: Mychal Kendricks Returns To Seahawks Practice Squad] 

The Seahawks worked out Collins back in January, but didn’t end up signing him at the time. Months later, he’s back. They’re plenty familiar with Collins, as he started his career with the Seahawks back in 2016. A fifth-round pick out of Arkansas, Collins was waived after a rookie season where he played sparingly. He signed with Baltimore, and ended up having a breakout 2017 season with the Ravens.

Collins became their full-time starter, racking up 973 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. After that, his career took some odd turns. A 2018 foot injury cut his season short and his arrest in the 2019 offseason prompted the Ravens to drop him. After spending all of 2019 out of football, this marks Collins’ first opportunity to get his career back on track.