NFL Trade Rumors 2016: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson Looking to Test Free Agency Next Month?

By Carlo Monzon
Tarvaris Jackson
Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson on the quarterbacks' float at the Seahawks' post-Super Bowl parade. Wikimedia Commons / Dave Sizer

With the free agency for NFL's upcoming season about to begin next month, a lot of rumors and speculations have been circulating regarding what Seattle Seahawks will do with its current roster. One of those rumors is about quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who could re-sign his contract with the team soon.

However, according to various sources, Seahawks fans should probably not expect the athlete to renew his spot on the team's roster. According to Jessamyn McIntyre of 710 ESPN Seattle, Jackson is reportedly considering being a free agent next season.

"Sources close to Tarvaris Jackson tell me not to expect any deal before free agency begins," she tweeted. "There was a strong market for him last year."

As reported by Bleacher Report, Jackson joined the Seahawks as a starting quarterback in 2011 after signing a two-year contract. He then competed with Russell Wilson for the position of quarterback for 2012 season.

However, before that season started, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills as a third-string quarterback. He was then re-signed to the team in February of 2013 for a $2.25 million deal before returning to the Seahawks in June of that year.

During his time with the team from 2013 to 2015, he threw a total of 20 passes for 188 yards as a back-up quarterback for Wilson.

For the 2015 season, Jackson agreed to a $1.5 million deal to continue playing for the Seahawks. Although may seem significantly less than what the athlete was earning in the previous seasons, Bleacher Report noted that Jackson may be planning on taking advantage of the 2016 season since he is expecting to see a stronger free agency market this year.

Even though his status on the team is a back-up for Wilson, there's a possibility that there will be a high demand for Jackson given his extensive experience in the NFL. After all, he's been playing in the league since 2006 and has been in 59 games in his professional career. Also, given the high rate of injury among quarterbacks, having a steady and reliable back-up can be good for any team.

But then again, Jackson's free agent status is just based on speculations for now. It is not yet clear what the 32-year-old athlete will do until the free agency market opens, which is scheduled to commence on March 4.