Seahawks sign former first-round pick C.J. Spiller for running back depth

Thomas Rawls is dealing with an injury, so the Seahawks need depth at running back

For the first time in his career, C.J. Spiller will have the luxury of playing for a contender. And, perhaps more importantly, his disappointing career isn't over just yet.

As first reported by Rand Getlin and confirmed by CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, the Seahawks are signing Spiller, a former first-round pick of the Bills and recent member of the Saints. Spiller has been a free agent since the Saints cut him roughly two weeks ago.

So first off, it's important to note that the Seahawks sure love former Bills running backs. Now that Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson are gone, it's Spiller's turn to take on that role as the ex-Bills back on the roster.

OK, putting the Buffalo to Seattle pipeline aside, it's actually important to note that Spiller won't be joining the team as the featured player in the backfield. That job still belongs to Christine Michael, who exploded last weekend for 106 yards and two touchdowns, and is averaging a healthy 5.2 yards per rush on the season. The reason the Seahawks signed Spiller is because they're lacking depth at the position.

Thomas Rawls, the presumed starter all summer long, is dealing with a fibula injury and will miss a few weeks. C.J. Prosise has a hand injury. And that leaves rookie Alex Collins and Terrence Magee behind Michael.

It's been awhile since Spiller looked like a first-round pick, but he at least brings experience to an inexperienced backfield. In 2012, he racked up 1,244 rushing yards, 459 yards in the passing game, and scored eight touchdowns from scrimmage. But from 2013-15, he averaged 448 rushing yards and 183 receiving yards per season. He also hasn't appeared in all 16 games since that 2012 season. In truth, Spiller, 29, hasn't done much of anything since then.

The point being, Spiller is nothing more than depth for a team that's lacking depth at running back. Don't expect him to turn into a Fantasy superstar or wrestle away Michael's starting job.

For Spiller, it's an opportunity to demonstrate that he still belongs in the league. And hey, he might just win some games for a change in the process.