Thomas Rawls, Jets Agree to Contract After 3 Seasons with Seahawks

The New York Jets and running back Thomas Rawls reached a contract agreement Friday. 

Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official website first reported the free-agent signing. Terms of the deal were not immediately released.

Rawls hit the open market after the Seattle Seahawks, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2015, opted not to tender him an offer as a restricted free agent after the 2017 season.

The 24-year-old Central Michigan product enjoyed a strong rookie campaign in Seattle. He rushed for 830 yards on 147 attempts (5.6 YPC) and scored four rushing touchdowns. His best game came against the San Francisco 49ers when he posted 255 total yards and two scores.

He failed to match those numbers over the last two years, though. He dropped to 3.2 yards per attempt in 2016 and 2.7 in 2017. A variety of injuries played a role in that production dip, especially in 2016.

In January, he expressed interest in staying with the Seahawks despite seeing his role decrease even when he was available to play.

"Do I like it here? I love this organization, yes," Rawls told reporters. "A good time here. Still having a good time. Good staff. Good teammates. I know the system. I know the schemes and everything."

While he wasn't able to secure a reunion with Seattle, he'll get a fresh start in New York. A new opportunity should serve him better after falling down the Hawks' depth chart in recent years.

Rawls should compete for the backup role behind Isaiah Crowell with the Jets.