Leon Washington rumors: Seahawks KR to be released

The Seattle Seahawks are set to release running back and kick returner, Leon Washington, on Tuesday according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, after unsuccessful attempts to shop him in a trade. On Tuesday, Alfie Crow reacted to the news that Washington was reportedly on the trade market and hinted at the possibility of Washington hitting the open market instead:

If Washington is released, I think he's someone the Jaguars would and should pursue as a short-term answer in the return game, but I'm not sure I'd give up a draft pick for him at this point.

With Washington on the open market now, the Jaguars would not need to give up a draft pick to get him and could have the opportunity to bring in the Jacksonville-native to help their long-dormant return game.

Earlier in the offseason, Washington discussed the hiring of Gus Bradley with 1010xl in Jacksonville and raved about his former head coach:

"I'm telling you right now, the Jacksonville Jaguars got themselves a heck of a football coach and the players will lay it on the line for him," Washington told Jeff Prosser and Dan Hicken of "Sports Final Radio."

In his seven seasons in the NFL, Washington has returned eight kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged a career-best 29 yards per return in the 2012 season. Washington is tied with Joshua Cribbs for the most career kick return touchdowns in NFL history.

The Jaguars finished 2012 with the sixth worst kick return average in the NFL at just 21 yards per return.