How badly did Rashaad Penny need to come again to Seattle?
The working again confirmed Monday that he turned down a greater provide elsewhere to return to the Seahawks on a one-year contract value $5.75 million (with incentives that would take it to $6.5 million). The workforce formally introduced the deal Monday afternoon.
“This simply felt like house,” Penny stated in a video convention name. “I used to be extra snug right here. I believe I acquired in a rhythm, in a groove, with the fellows within the offense. So it was like a no brainer for me to know the place to come back again to.”
The previous first-round decide comes again to Seattle to share the backfield with a brand new quarterback.
Simply earlier than Penny’s information convention Monday, quarterback Drew Lock was launched to the native media and spoke enthusiastically a couple of “recent begin” in Seattle. Lock was a part of the package deal the Seahawks obtained from Denver within the blockbuster commerce for Russell Wilson, the one QB Penny had performed with in his NFL profession.
“Ever since I’ve been within the league, Russ has taught me to be one of the best professional and be one of the best model of myself,” Penny stated. “I really feel prefer it’s him leaving a legacy right here, and we’re simply selecting (up) the place he left off. I imply, you’ll be able to’t actually get anyone like that once more, however we’re grateful to have Drew Lock and I’m behind him and I’m with him. And I believe everyone else right here, , we’re on the identical (web page).
“It’s only a new legacy beginning right here in Seattle.”
In a narrative posted on the workforce web site, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll known as the re-signing of Penny “one of many highlights of this offseason.” Even higher, Penny stated he’s in day by day contact with working again Chris Carson, who had neck surgical procedure in November.
“Our aim is to be one of the best 1-2 punch that’s ever performed the sport of soccer,” Penny stated. “I really feel like we actually have the potential.”
Reuniting with Carson, Penny stated, was a key think about his determination to return to Seattle.
“Chris been one of many guys I’ve leaned on probably the most since I’ve been right here, and I’m simply grateful to have him round,” Penny stated. “This determination wasn’t laborious in any respect. I knew the place I needed to be. And being right here with him once more, I believe it’s going to create far more enjoyable.”
Slowed by accidents early in his profession, Penny broke out over the ultimate six video games of the 2021 season, dashing for 671 yards and 6 touchdowns. He completed the season with a median of 6.3 yards per carry, tops within the NFL.
“I’m simply grateful to be again right here,” he stated. “This implies quite a bit to me, to be again with the identical working again group. … That is only a pretty surroundings, and I wouldn’t commerce it for wherever else.”
Blythe provides expertise to O-line
The Seahawks additionally introduced Monday the signing of free agent Austin Blythe, a 29-year-old offensive lineman who has expertise beginning at middle and guard.
Blythe began 16 video games at middle for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 when Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson have been with the Rams.
The Seahawks listed Blythe as a middle in asserting his signing. Blythe signed a one-year deal value $4 million.
“I’m very excited concerning the alternative this 12 months to come back in and compete and be in a system that I’m accustomed to, and other people with that I’m accustomed to,” Blythe stated.