Hawks Definitely Exploring RB Options

Despite quotes recently by both Tim Ruskell and Mike Holmgren regarding Shaun Alexander being important to the team next year, the Hawks are putting feelers out into the cheap veteran running back market. Recently they were tied by Seahawks.net to TJ Duckett. UH! Now they were said to be interested in Aaron Stecker as well. To see whats going on.....

THis is from Seahawks.net....

Seahawks Checking Out a DVD? -- Free agent running back T.J. Duckett was reported to have visited the Seahawks recently. The six-year veteran has played for the Falcons, Redskins and Lions. The 6'0", 254-pound back never found a good fit with Detroit in 2007, but he was part of the vaunted "DVD" backfield with Michael Vick and Warrick Dunn in Atlanta from 2002 through 2005. Duckett could help the Seahawks in short-yardage situations.

Now this from the New Orleans Times Picayune....

"Stecker said Seattle also showed interest, but he preferred to stay put."

What does this mean? Well it hard to imagine another veteran RB coming in to play 3rd string to Alexander and Morris. My guess is that the plan is to draft a RB. They probably want to cut Alexander and gain the 4 million in cap room, but are not willing to do so with out a contingency plan. Also, they probably don't want to hand a rookie the job from day 1. It would make more sense to have veterans bring him along until he was ready for a full time role. Stecker to me makes a lot more sense than Duckett, because he fits what the Hawks do. He is effective in the passing game. He pass protects and can catch the ball. That said, he is only a glorified 3rd down back, so if the go this route, Ruskell better be willing to all his chips in the middle come April and get the back he thinks will be the best for the Seattle Seahawks.