Seahawks Want Top Back

Ricky Watters is an intriguing commodity for the Seattle Seahawks.

The free-agent running back, who once went to the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers and has been to the playoffs in five of his six NFL seasons, would be a perfect fit for the Seahawks’ throw-first, run-second style.

Watters has averaged at least 1,200 yards from scrimmage each season.

The Seahawks were also interested in Minnesota running back Robert Smith, but he re-signed with the Vikings Tuesday.

Lamar Smith’s signing with New Orleans opened several options for the Seahawks, who seem to have a keen interest in rebuilding their running game, replacing the three-man attack of last season.

The Seahawks have intensified their interest in Watters, his agent, Leigh Steinberg, said. A trip has yet to be scheduled, though.

With Watters comes trouble, however. His stints with the 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles were filled with turmoil, and he wore out his welcome with both teams.

He’s dependable on the field and has a burning desire to win. Yet, he will be 29 next month, the age where some backs begin to decline.

Vikings sign Smith

The Minnesota Vikings re-signed free-agent running back Robert Smith, who set a franchise record with 1,266 rushing yards last season.

Smith, who turns 26 today, set the Vikings’ single-season rushing record last year even though he missed two games because of injury. He also set team records with a 5.5 yards per-carry average and six 100-yard rushing games.

Around the league

Corey Dillon of the Cincinnati Bengals was arrested Tuesday for investigation of drunken driving. The former University of Washington running back says he was not drinking. … Rod Woodson signed a four-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens believed to be worth nearly $11.5 million, including a $3 million signing bonus. … The Tennessee Oilers will play at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, their third home in as many years, under a tentative deal reached Tuesday. … The San Francisco 49ers waived running back Terry Kirby in a cost-cutting move that the teams said will allow it to save $667,000 under the salary cap. The Miami Dolphins signed free agent safety Brock Marion to a three-year contract. … Former New York Jets quarterback Ken O’Brien has been named quarterbacks coach for the University of Southern California.