In case you missed it last week, the Seahawks have signed former Nevada running back Vai Taua to a futures contract. Taua becomes the second running back the team has locked up for the offseason on a futures deal, joining former Northwestern RB Tyrell Sutton on what is essentially the practice squad during the next few months.
Taua was on the Seahawks practice squad for much of the 2011 season, but was suspended for the final four games for violating the league's rules on performance enhancing drugs. He served his suspension and now has a second chance with the club.
With Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett, and Michael Robinson all facing uncertain futures with the team as free agents, it makes sense that the Seahawks are looking at other options in the case they can't come to terms with their workhorse in Lynch, 3rd down back in Forsett, or fullback in Robinson.
Taua has become somewhat of a fan favorite as a sleeper, after an intriguing preseason in which he rushed nine times for 46 yards (5.11 ypc) and a touchdown. He was a three-time All-Wac running back at Nevada. At 5'9, 213 pounds, he's a powerful and versatile running back, adept in the pass game and extremely durable. It will be interesting to see if he catches on with the Seahawks in 2012.
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