Fantasy News & Analysis

Eddie Lacy looks like a fantasy RB2 with upside in Seattle

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 18: Eddie Lacy #27 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2015 NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on January 18, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

All was quiet on the running back front in this year’s free agency until Tuesday afternoon, when the Seahawks agreed to terms with Eddie Lacy on a one-year pact worth $5.5 million. Lacy gives the Seattle a power-back presence they’ve lacked since Marshawn Lynch retired. He immediately slots in as the top option on the depth chart.

Though much maligned for his weight issues, Lacy has two 1,000-yard seasons in his four-year career, and was well on his way to another before landing on injured reserve in October of last season. Lacy managed an average of 5.1 yards per carry and a massive 3.4 yards after contact per attempt in five games played. Health – from both an injury and weight standpoint – is a concern, but Lacy figures to be in the mix as an RB2 who could see enough volume to bump into the RB1 conservation.

Of course, his signing is bad news for the Thomas Rawls truthers. Following his breakout rookie campaign, Rawls floundered last year, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. His offensive line finished as a mid-pack unit in terms of yards generated before contact, but Rawls especially struggled after contact with just 2.2 yards per attempt. Rawls now moves into a backup role for early-down work and is off the fantasy radar. C.J. Prosise remains the favorite for passing down work, but the Seahawks still plan to kick the tires on Jamaal Charles on Wednesday.

With Lacy officially out of Green Bay, the Packers are left with a bare-bones depth chart that currently includes just two players: Ty Montgomery and Don Jackson. Montgomery proved to be a better option at running back than many had thought last season, but tough to envision him as a long-term solution. Expect the Packers to address the position in this year’s loaded draft class.

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