Chris Carson re-signs with Seahawks: ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Seattle Seahawks have re-signed RB Chris Carson to a three-year deal worth $24.625 million. The deal voids after two years, however. Essentially, it is a two-year deal worth up to $14.625 million with $5.5 million in guarantees, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
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RB Chris Carson is re-signing with Seattle on a three-year, $24.625 million deal that voids after two years, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2021
Chris Carson Re-Signs with Seahawks
In an absolute must-have move for the Seahawks, the team elected to retain Chris Carson, their top running back. In today’s Twitter-friendly media-market, the popular notion is that teams are — or at least should be — unwilling to pay running backs second contracts. That has not been the case this offseason, Aaron Jones and Carson, arguably, the top two free-agent backs in this year’s class, are both staying with the teams that drafted them.
Since Jones signed his four-year deal worth $48 million, it looked like Carson was up next for a payday. And because of all the holes on Seattle’s roster, there was no way they’d be able to retain him barring a home-town discount, which they ultimately received. Using a voidable year on the deal — NFL teams add voided years to contracts to spread monies around, lightening the cap hit — the Seahawks are paying Carson an average yearly salary of $5.2 million, a sure-fire discount compared to the $12 million AAV Jones is getting from Green Bay.
You can read my thoughts on the Packers re-signing of Aaron Jones here.
At the top of the article, I suggested that Carson was a priority signing for the Seahawks. Why? While in today’s NFL landscape, we see an influx of RBBCs around the league, the Seahawks are a much better offensive unit when Carson is not only healthy but also receiving the lion’s share of the workload at running back.
In each of the past three seasons, Carson averages 222 carries, 1,020 rushing yards, and 9.6 total touchdowns. He also averages 39 targets, 31.3 receptions, and 238.7 receiving yards. Carson is a dual-threat three-down back who doesn’t need to come off the field. Carson’s biggest deterrent is his injury history. In four seasons, he’s only played in 45 of a possible 64 games and has never played a full 16 game slate due to injures.
Although Carson’s production slipped last season, he only played in 12 games. Carson finished 2020 with 968 total yards and nine touchdowns with a career-high 4.8 yards per carry. Moreover, Carson maintained his efficiency despite his downhill running style, averaging 4.7 true yards per carry, good for 10th best at his position and 5.4 yards per touch, good for 17th.
In 2018 and 2019, Carson totaled 1,314+ yards and 9+ touchdowns while playing in at least 14 games, showcasing his ceiling when his health is intact.
Seahawks 2021 NFL Betting Outlook
Super Bowl 56 (NFL Champion) Winner
(Odds courtesy of PointsBet)
Seahawks (+2500)
As we stand, the Seahawks have the 13th best odds to win Super Bowl 56. While the team did suffer early losses in free agency that include TE Jacob Hollister, WR David Moore, WR Phillip Dorsett, DB Shaquill Griffin, and RB Carlos Hyde, their most significant departure was Griffin, who signed a three-year deal with the Jaguars. The other players served as role players and depth more than anything else.
Carson was the priority, which was a deal they got done. However, the Seahawks also added TE Gerald Everett, a vast upgrade at the tight end position over Greg Olsen, who is now retired. Seattle also acquired OG Gabe Jackson from the Raiders via trade. Since they also re-signed C Ethan Pocic, Seattle’s interior offensive line should be a lot better with the Jackson addition.
The Seahawks ended 2020 with the 14th best offensive line according to Pro Football Focus. They can make a jump with Jackson.
The Seahawks’ defense opened last season as one of the most horrendous units I have ever seen. However, in a seismic shift, they managed to finish the year strong while their offense regressed. If the Seattle defense can play as they did down the stretch in 2021 and their offense figures out a way to play more consistent football, the Seahawks will once again be in the mix for a Super Bowl.
Seahawks NFC West Winner (+250)
(Odds courtesy of PointsBet)
- Rams (+190)
- 49ers (+210)
- Seahawks (+250)
- Cardinals (+550)
I’m not sure there is a tighter, more-competitive division in the NFL than the NFC West. Want a winner? Flip a coin or ask The Gameday’s own Callie Bundy to help you out with one of her remarkable trick shots.
Ok, let me be serious here. I don’t flip coins to pick anything. I just want to show you that the NFC West is no joke. In fact, it is one of the only divisions in the NFL that anyone can win. I can make a case for and against all four teams.
In the case of the Seahawks, who are slated with the third-best odds to win it, I’d bump them into the No. 2 or even the No. 1 spot. I mean, cmon, I know that Matthew Stafford is the new quarterback for the Rams and everyone is hot and bothered about it, but he’s never won a thing. Albeit he’s played in Detroit, but at least we know where Jared Goff could take this Rams’ team. Stafford remains a mystery.
What about the 49ers? If you read in between the lines, the 49ers are not sold on Jimmy Garoppolo. If they aren’t sold on him, why should I be? And why should you wager your money on a team that doesn’t believe in the player they have slated to start the most important position in all of sports? I understand Garoppolo has taken the 49ers to the Super Bowl, but that was now two years ago and he also can not stay healthy.
The Seahawks, we believe, will open Week 1 with Russell Wilson under center, an improved offensive line, a vast upgrade at tight end, and a defense that flashed. If they really want to make Wilson happy, they’ll get another weapon at receiver — cc Antonio Brown -but that is another story for another article. Seattle is my best bet to win the West.
I am not forgetting about Arizona. They are putting something special together over there, which is why they are my sleeper.
After you read “Chris Carson Re-Signs With Seahawks," how confident are you on wagering on the Seattle Seahawks for the 2021 season? Place a bet by joining one of our friendly sportsbooks, who have welcome offers for new customers. 👇
