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Fantasy spin on Eddie Lacy and the Seahawks' running backs

The Seahawks clearly signed Eddie Lacy with the intention he'll become the starter, but he won't be a three-down back. Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks added to their backfield Tuesday, agreeing to terms with Eddie Lacy on a one-year, $5.5 million deal that has $3 million guaranteed.

What do the Seahawks expect from Lacy, and what will his arrival mean for the other backs on the roster?

Granted, the regular season is six months away, and a lot can change between now and then. But here's a player-by-player look at where things currently stand from a fantasy perspective.

Eddie Lacy: He has shown he can carry the load. From 2013 to 2015, Lacy piled up 717 carries, sixth-most in the NFL during that span. The Seahawks clearly signed Lacy with the intention he'll become the starter, and there is definite upside. Prior to last year, Seattle finished in the top seven in rushing efficiency every season that Russell Wilson was the quarterback. The Seahawks want to regain more balance in their offense, and if Lacy is healthy, he should receive plenty of work. But there's also risk. If Lacy struggles with conditioning or looks unproductive in the Seahawks' scheme, Pete Carroll won't stick with him just because he's getting paid. And Lacy will not be a three-down back. He may catch some balls on first and second down, but C.J. Prosise is expected to take over in obvious passing situations.

Thomas Rawls: What a difference a year makes. Last March, Rawls was coming off a year in which he led the NFL in yards per carry and average yards after contact. In 2015, as a rookie, he looked like the perfect successor to Marshawn Lynch. But injuries have hampered his development. Rawls broke his ankle in 2015, and then after rehabbing all offseason he injured his fibula in Week 2. Overall, Rawls totaled just 349 yards last year and averaged 3.2 yards a carry. The coaches still like him, but they said he needs to show more patience. The Seahawks see 2016 as a wash for Rawls because of the injuries and hope he can come back healthy, looking more like the back they saw as a rookie. Carroll has said he prefers to have a one-two punch. If Lacy and Rawls look similar in terms of production, this could end up being a timeshare. If coaches determine Lacy is the better option, Rawls will serve a complementary role. And if Rawls clearly outplays Lacy, he'll get the starting job. Carroll sometimes likes those scenarios because they serve as examples to everyone on the roster that he's serious when he preaches competition.

C.J. Prosise: For a short time last year, it looked like Prosise had a chance to be the starter, but he was hampered by injuries (hamstring, hand and shoulder) all season long. He was a dynamic playmaker when he was on the field but ended up totaling just 47 touches in six games as a rookie. Two things are clear when it comes to Prosise. One, the coaches get downright giddy when they talk about the different ways to use him. Two, they are concerned about his durability. Prosise will get his touches as both a rusher and receiver. He'll be the third-down back and get featured in other packages. But barring injuries to Lacy and Rawls, he's unlikely to be in the mix as a starter.