Tarvaris Jackson is headed to Buffalo.
According to a report from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Seattle Seahawks have come to an agreement with the Bills to deal their starting quarterback in 2011 in return for what is currently an undisclosed draft pick.
Breaking: The
#Seahawks will trade QB Tarvaris Jackson to the#Bills, two sources tell me. Finalized soon. Terms not yet available— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2012
Jackson became the odd man out when the Seahawks acquired Matt Flynn in the offseason and then drafted this season’s likely-starter Russell Wilson in the 2012 NFL draft. With starting experience and a veteran presence many teams could use, Jackson became an expendable piece beneficial to a team he may be better-suited for.
Unfortunately, the Bills do not appear to be that team.
The Bills are similarly stocked full at the quarterback position with incumbent starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and former first-rounder Vince Young on the roster. Jackson is likely joining a situation likeable to the one he was faced with in Seattle, stuck as the third-stringer.
In six NFL seasons, Jackson has played on and off as a starter for the Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. He has compiled a 17-17 record, including a 7-7 record last season for the Seahawks.
2011 was Jackson’s best season to date, racking up 3,091 passing yards with 14 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a completion percentage of 60.2 percent. There is no question Jackson is not a top-notch starter, but his abilities and experience make him a valuable backup for any team.
This deal raises questions about the Bills’ faith in either their starter Fitzpatrick or Young’s ability to run the offense should Fitzpatrick get hurt. The move gives them another option should the latter be the case, but having seen nothing of him in their offense, it is hard to fathom how they could see him as a fit.
The deal is expected to be finalized soon and we will update you will all the details as they become available.
Louis Musto covers the NFC East, NFL in general and pop culture at GridironGrit.com. Follow @LouisMusto and @GridironGrit on Twitter!
