Free agent running back Thomas Rawls signs with Jets

Former Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls has agreed to a contract with the New York Jets, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The 24-year-old Rawls was originally picked up by Seattle as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He had a very strong rookie season, rushing 147 times for 830 yards and four touchdowns. His 5.6 yards per carry led the league.

However, things went south for Rawls in the next two seasons, which led to the Seahawks choosing not to tender Rawls a contract after 2017. Although he played in 12 games last year, he only started in three contests and was occasionally left off the active roster, even though he was healthy.

Rawls only rushed 58 times for 157 yards, a low 2.7 yards per carry. He was replaced early-on by rookie Chris Carson, and later in the year by former practice squad player Mike Davis.

Davis and Carson are expected to be the primary ball carriers in Seattle next season, making the decision to not bring Rawls back an unsurprising one.

Rawls said goodbye to his teammates and the fans in Seattle in an Instagram post that he posted moments after the signing was announced.

As I embark on a new journey, I wanna thank the all amazing men and my teammates who I've shared blood, sweat, and tears with these past 3 years in Seattle. They are men of great character, accountability, passion, respect, fight, perseverance, and men of God. My time in Seattle has been so heartwarming, especially as someone who comes from the North Side of Flint, Michigan, a place where life is a daily challenge! Thank you to Pete Carroll my first NFL HC, John Schneider, and Paul Allen for allowing me and my family to be a part of an amazing organization and community in Seattle that I will forever cherish. Century Link Field will always be a special spot! I had so much fun and we've accomplished so much: crazy endings, broken records, and finishing games when we all was in belief. I wanna thank the fans, my 12s, you guys mean so much to me. Your love, motivation, support, and energy will be with me every step of the way. To the youth who look up to me and keep me going, I want you to know that you matter, you are enough, you are worthy, you are fighters, and from afar we will continue to grow. I wanna thank all my coaches from offense, defense, and special teams. Thank you to all the people—janitors, nutritionists, chefs, security, front office, and many more—everyone played a huge role in my life and helped not just my career but you make me a better man. Those who know me know that I will continue to persevere and grow through any challenges that come my way. I'm accepting a new challenge in life to elevate myself as a person and teammate. I will keep that fire ?? and the emotions for this game I truly love in my heart and spread them with this big smile and run with a little more love ??!!!! Thank you, Seattle Seahawks, for an amazing Journey. ?????? T. Rawls??????

A post shared by Thomas Rawls (@t.rawls810) on Mar 30, 2018 at 12:31pm PDT

The Jets have Bilal Powell, Isaiah Crowell and Elijah McGuire on hand, so Rawls is likely just a depth signing.