Since the madness of free agency started Monday night, the Seattle Seahawks have been ridiculed for some of their decisions – most notably letting Matt Hasselbeck go. The addition of Sidney Rice is their first big move that seems to be a step in the right direction. Rice has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal worth $41 million with $18.5 million guaranteed. There is also $3 million in incentives Rice could earn on top of the $41 million.
After entering the league in 2007 as a second round pick, Rice tallied 46 receptions for 537 yards in his first two seasons. In 2009, with Brett Favre behind center, Rice earned a trip to the Pro Bowl with 83 receptions, 1,312 yards and 8 touchdowns. In his injury shortened 2010, Rice was unspectacular in his 6 games, with 17 catches for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Rice follows another ex-Viking to Seattle in Tavaris Jackson. Jackson has never made it as an NFL starter despite “leading” (behind some guy named Adrian Peterson) the Vikings to the playoffs three seasons ago. Also joining Jackson and Rice in Seattle is Darrell Bevell, who joined the Seahawks as their offensive coordinator back in January after serving as Minnesota's OC with both Rice and Jackson.
Rice was the biggest beneficiary from Favre's outstanding 2009 season. With Charlie Whitehurst and Jackson as Seattle's two current quarterbacks, Rice will not have the luxury of a superstar quarterback in 2011.
Fantasy Spin:
In terms of fantasy value, Rice landed in a terrible position. The Seahawks have two backup quarterbacks, and Rice has not proven himself capable of producing (even at an average level) without a star quarterback. Rice's current ADP is the 4th-5th round in 12-team leagues, far too early now. His big 2009 season gave him a recognizable name, but it is also leading people to overvalue him. While Rice has shown Larry Fitzgerald-esque abilities, he has yet to shine on a consistent basis.
Despite the familiarity he will have in Seattle (with Jackson and Bevell), it would be surprising to see Rice duplicate his success from two seasons ago. In addition to one of the worst quarterback situations, Rice will also compete with Mike Williams, who saw a healthy 106 targets last season and was very hot down the stretch. If he can stay on the field for all 16 games, something he has yet to accomplish, Rice could see 60 receptions for 850 yards and 6 touchdowns. He remains a WR3 option for fantasy, but his WR1 potential for the 2011 season went out the door.
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