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Lacy Signs With The Seahawks; Could Free-Agent RB Market Heat Up Now?
Nobody had shown as much interest in the free-agent running back market so far as the Seahawks. And after meeting with Adrian Peterson and Eddie Lacy in advance of visits by Latavius Murray and Jamaal Charles, Seattle decided to bust a move and sign Lacy to a one-year contract.

Multiple reports indicate Lacy will get $3 million guaranteed over one year with a maximum value of $5.5 million.

That Lacy got the nod over Peterson isn't necessarily an indication the team liked him better. It's possible Peterson -- released by the Vikings to avoid paying him $18 million this year -- might have higher contract expectations.

Whatever the case, Lacy joins a Seattle backfield currently led by Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise, both of whom battled injuries in 2016. According to Seattle Times staffer Bob Condotta, the Seahawks wanted to cover their bases a little better in the backfield than last season, when injuries and other factors resulted in 18 players carrying the ball at least once during the course of the regular season.

Rawls would be the man most affected by Lacy's arrival as both are power backs. Prosise's ability as a receiver could keep him in the mix -- unless Charles joins the club.

The former Chief is still scheduled to visit Seattle on Wednesday while Murray has changed his schedule to visit Minnesota, where there's an AP-sized hole in the Vikings backfield. Peterson could still return, but it appears the Vikings will explore all their options and the Raiders free-agent will be there today. Murray has also visited Jacksonville.

Back to the Seahawks. ... As things stand today, I'd rank them Lacy, Prosise and Rawls for fantasy purposes.

Just remember: After a breakout rookie campaign where he rushed for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns, Lacy's yards, attempts and touchdown totals dropped with each year. He played in just five games last season and was placed on injured reserve in October with an ankle injury. Weight and conditioning have been ongoing issues. Of course, Rawls and Prosise managed a combined 15 regular-season games last season.

But we all know if somebody can lock down the Seahawks lead role and stay healthy, there's fantasy gold to be had in the usage. ...

Meanwhile, as I mentioned, it might take some time for Peterson to gain an understanding of the market. Remember, the average salary for NFL running backs last season was $1.6 million. Peterson will get more than that, but he might not get the role he wants -- or one that's of great interest to fantasy owners.

Stay tuned. Now that the first domino has fallen, things could move a bit more quickly.