NFL News & Rumors: New England Patriots Fail to Get RB Fred Jackson; Ex Buffalo Bills Star Almost Stolen from Seattle Seahawks

Sep 09, 2015 09:59 AM EDT

The departure of GB Fred Jackson from the Buffalo Bills stunned fans and followers of the NFL team. Given the contribution of the athlete to the Buffalo Bills, the most logical reaction to such a news on the part of Fred Jackson is to be saddened by his fate. However, the former Buffalo Bills GB wasted no time crying over spilled milk as the hour following his release from the NFL team brought him face to face with offers from two Super Bowl contenders: the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.

While the prospect of playing with the New England Patriots was tempting for the former Buffalo Bills star, Fred Jackson shared that the Seattle Seahawks appeared to have been more excited on having him over the NFL team alongside former teammate Marshawn Lynch and star quarterback Russell Wilson.

"What Seattle said was, 'We want you to be a part of this team. We want you to contribute. We know what you can do, and we're excited about it.' They wanted to put me on a flight that night," shared Fred Jackson, describing the offer given by the Seattle Seahawks the moment the NFL team learned of his release, according to the former Buffalo Bills' interview with Tim Graham of The Buffalo News. He added, "New England wanted to wait a couple days. I wanted to go where I was wanted the most, and that was Seattle."

Apart from the fact that the Seattle Seahawks offered him the job without batting an eyelash, the former Buffalo Bills player noted that the New England Patriots have been known for the high turnover of its roster. Pointing out that his age and physical capacity will definitely play major roles in his professional life, Fred Jackson opted for the NFL team that could offer more stability and consistency. He went on to say, "Seattle told me they wanted me to come in and be the No. 2. At this stage of my career, that's what you want to hear. So I go to a better team, get promoted and have a chance to win a Super Bowl."

However, one of the biggest factors that helped Fred Jackson land a comfortable spot in the Seattle Seahawks roster is none other than the influence of longtime buddy Marshawn Lynch. According to ESPN, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll confirmed the involvement of Marshawn Lynch in the acquisition of the former Buffalo Bills star. He said, "Marshawn did get the word out to us that he really trusted him and knew he was a terrific team member." Carroll added, "Nothing but really positive stuff to say."

Fred Jackson is expected to "play a lot" in the first game of the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday (September 13). The NFL match, scheduled at 1:00 pm ET, will be against the St. Louis Rams.