The Seahawks are willing to deal Pro Bowl returner / running back Leon Washington, CBS’ Jason La Canfora reported Monday.
The move is budgetary, La Canfora indicated. The 30-year-old Washington is due $1.5 million in salary and a $1 million roster bonus, per Rotoworld figures.
Washington’s 29.0-yard average on kickoffs led the NFC in 2012. His eight career kickoff return TDs are tied for the most in NFL history. However, the newly acquired Percy Harvin has been simply spectacular in his four-year NFL career on kickoffs, returning at least one for a score in each campaign.
If Washington is released in lieu of being traded, he would likely draw some interest, considering he can fill two lineup spots (kickoff and punt returns) and can also serve as a backup running back. The potential free agent market for returners was thinned when the Bills re-signed Leodis McKelvin, though the Browns’ Joshua Cribbs also figures to appeal to teams looking for special teams help.