C.J. Spiller Signs With Seahawks: Fantasy Impact Of Seattle’s Move

The Seattle Seahawks addressed their need for a running back Wednesday by signing veteran free agent C.J. Spiller.

Spiller, who was drafted ninth overall in 2010, recently was cut by the New Orleans Saints, who signed the running back to a four-year, $18 million contract before last season. He rushed for 112 yards on 36 carries and caught 34 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns during the 2015 campaign.

Spiller hasn’t appeared in a game this season, but he’ll give the Seahawks some much-needed depth at the position. Thomas Rawls, who figured to be Seattle’s starting running back this season, is dealing with a fibula injury and is expected to miss a few weeks. Rookie C.J. Prosise, meanwhile, is dealing with a hand injury, leaving Christine Michael, Alex Collins and Spiller as the team’s healthy backs.

The Seahawks waived running back Terrence Magee to make room for Spiller on the 53-man roster.

The prospect of adding Spiller might seem exciting to some, given that he was a Pro Bowl selection with the Bills in 2012, when he rushed for 1,244 yards and six touchdowns on 207 carries (6 yards per attempt) and added another 459 yards and two touchdowns on 43 catches. But the 29-year-old hasn’t made much of an impact since the 2013 season, so expectations should be tempered.

In other words, don’t rush to add Spiller in your fantasy football league despite the injuries to Rawls and Prosise. Michael is the clear-cut starter with Rawls sidelined, and he handled the job admirably in Week 3, rushing for 106 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Spiller is nothing more than a depth option at this point. And while that might help the Seahawks in their quest to reign supreme in the NFC West, it’ll do very little to help your fantasy squad.

Thumbnail photo via Matt Bush/USA TODAY Sports Images