T.J. Duckett: 1 year contract

[racosun]

Former Spartans standout RB TJ Duckett has signed a one-year deal to play for the Lions, according to the Associated Press. Duckett is the second RB to join the Lions, providing insurance in case the comeback of starter Kevin Jones takes a bad turn. The Lions also traded with Denver for Tatum Bell. Duckett was drafted in the first round a few years back by the Atlanta Falcons, who had just signed free-agent Warrick Dunn. Duckett was the power to Dunn's speed, but he saw limited action with Atlanta. He was traded by the Falcons to the Redskins last season, but he had his worst season as a pro.

The Lions now have quite a few RB's on the roster, many of whom are coming off of injuries. Those backs include Jones, Shawn Bryson, Brian Calhoun, Bell, and now Duckett. Rumor has it that Bell may be flipped to another team before camp begins. He came over in the Dre Bly trade (who might also be flipped to another team soon). Calhoun was a third-round draft choice last spring, but didn't do much at all before bowing out with an injury. Bryson has been with the team for a couple years now, and was also injured last season. It'll be interesting to see how this logjam sorts itself out. Jones is on pace to be ready for the regular season opener, but that can always change. I'd be comfortable going into the season with Bell and Duckett carrying the load. That seems like a good speed/power combo.

[Seattle1]

Well now he's on the Seahawks. I like the short-yardage situations he's picked up for us so far. Let's hope the running game can keep it up. We really ran smash-mouth football against the 49ers and the Rams, and Duckett was a big part of that.

[racosun]

Living in Michigan, I heard plenty about Duckett when he was an MSU Spartan and Heisman hopeful. Plenty of heads were turned when the Falcons drafted him right after signing a young Warrick Dunn to a large FA contract. He didn't get his early reps in, and was unable to develop as a feature back, but yeah, he has great short-yardage capabilities as he is a house of a man. It's too bad the Lions didn't know how to use him, or that they really couldn't use him since they were rarely in the red zone. We've ruined many a player's career, so it's good to see someone leave Detroit and still be able to produce.