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Edgerrin shown door, makes room for Rankin

Seahawks: Veteran running back wasn't panning out, so former Husky will get a shot

ERIC D. WILLIAMS; The News Tribune | • Published November 04, 2009

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Renton - The Edgerrin James experiment in Seattle turned out to be short-lived.

The Seattle Seahawks announced the veteran runner’s release Tuesday, using the roster spot to sign wide receiver Mike Hass from the practice squad to the active roster.

The announcement was one of several roster moves made by the team on its off day. Seattle also released special teams performer safety C.J. Wallace and promoted safety Jamar Adams from the practice squad to the active roster. And with the extra practice squad spots, Seattle added cornerback DeAngelo Willingham and Trae Williams, along with bringing back running back Devin Moore.

Wallace, who has been hampered by hamstring problems, likely will be added to the team’s season-ending injured reserve list if he clears waivers.

The roster moves came a day after Seahawks coach Jim Mora told reporters that he would hold players accountable for their play on the field and let people go if he felt it was necessary.

But the release of James was somewhat expected. Although his lengthy NFL experience made him a great locker room influence and popular voice among the players off the field, James’ performance on the field was another matter.

The team terminated the contract of short yardage back T.J. Duckett in August because it considered him more of a role player. Seattle brought in James as Duckett’s replacement, touting him as a better complementary back to starter Julius Jones, and one who had a good feel for the team’s zone blocking scheme.

However, the 11-year veteran’s gas tank appeared to be on empty.

In seven games, James rushed for 125 yards on 46 carries for a pedestrian 2.7 yards per carry – the lowest of his career. James’ longest run on the season was 10 yards. While with Seattle, James eclipsed Marcus Allen and vaulted onto the top 10 of alltime rushing list, finishing with 12,246 total yards.

Seattle’s pursuit of a backup running back has been costly for the organization the past two seasons. Before releasing Duckett, the team paid him $4 million in signing bonuses over two seasons. James signed a one-year, $1 million deal, and if he clears waivers, the team remains on the hook to pay the full amount of the contract.

With James gone, University of Washington product Louis Rankin likely will slide into a running back rotation that includes Jones and Justin Forsett. The Seahawks signed Rankin from the practice squad to the active roster last week in an apparent move to protect him from perspective teams interested in his services.

The 6-foot-1, 205 pounder has good speed out of the backfield and, as a one-cut downhill runner, seems to fit Seattle’s running scheme. Rankin, 24, is familiar with the team’s offensive scheme, having played for offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Oakland. He also provides versatility with his ability to return kicks.

An Oregon State product in his fourth year in the league, Hass appears on an active roster for the second time in his career. Hass, 26, spent the entire 2007 season on the Chicago Bears’ active roster, but played in just one game.

The Seahawks needed to add a receiver to hedge against the possibility of Ben Obomanu missing time with an oblique injury.

Adams, 23, in his second season out of Michigan, is big safety at 6-foot-2, 212 pounds who has some potential and has played better in practice of late.

Branch: ‘I just want to win’

During his weekly radio show appearance on Seattle-area radio station KJR-AM, wide receiver Deion Branch responded to questions about what he said after he scored on a 23-yard touchdown pass in the first half of Seattle’s game against Dallas on Sunday.

During the Fox game telecast, a TV camera picked up Branch saying the following: “Y’all come find me. Anybody want me, come find me.”

His comments seemed to mean that Branch is not pleased with his role as the team’s third receiver, and would like to be traded. Branch had been the subject of trade rumors because of his hefty salary of $5 million this season, and his limited role as the team’s third receiver.

Branch addressed those concerns, saying he remains happy in Seattle and wants to retire as a Seahawk.

“I want to play. I want to win,” Branch said. “Bottom line. That’s that. I came here for a reason. I want to play football.”

Branch has two years left on a six-year, $39 million deal he signed with the team in 2006. He’s scheduled to earn $5.47 million in 2010 and $5.95 million in 2011.

Branch went on to say that even though he’s been on the sidelines and not playing as much as he would like, he hasn’t complained and has accepted his role.

He also said he met with Seahawks management this season when the trade rumors were swirling, and that he has a good relationship with management.

“They want me here,” he said. “I want to be here. I want to retire here. I want to finish the end of my career here.”

eric.williams@thenewstribune.com

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