The writing is on the wall for Shaun Alexander in Seattle. On Monday, the team signed its second free-agent running back of the offseason as they inked former Cowboy Julius Jones to a four-year deal.  Jones joins fellow veteran T.J. Duckett as new additions as the Seahawks desperately try to reshape their backfield. The team averaged 4.0 yards per carry in 2006 and just 3.8 yards per carry last season and much of that blame has been placed on the 2005 NFL MVP, Alexander, who has had back-to-back injury riddled seasons.

The 30-year old running back managed just 716 yards last season, his lowest total since taking over for Ricky Watters as the team's starter in 2001. With Maurice Morris coming off a productive season and Jones and Duckett now in the fold, Alexander's place on the team is in serious question. While the injuries have contributed to the injuries many critics have questioned Alexander's heart and effort in recent times. He did not look like himself last season and showed zero explosiveness as he hit the holes.

Alexander's contract calls for him to make $4.475 million in base salary next season and he would count $6.75 million against the Seahawks' salary cap. If Seattle released Alexander, it would not have to pay him his salary; however, it would have to account for three-fifths of his signing bonus under the salary cap. That bonus was $11.5 million, meaning there is still $6.9 million that must be accounted for under the cap.

If he were released, that $6.9 million could either count against the salary cap in one lump sum in 2008; or if the Seahawks chose to designate him a post-June 1 release, he would count $2.3 million against the cap in 2008 and $4.6 million in 2009, according to the Seattle Times. That suggests the team will be in no hurry to make a decision.

ESPN's John Clayton suggested that his days in Seattle are over and speculated that two teams that are at the top of the list as potential suitors as being the Cincinnati Bengals, Alexander's hometown team (Florence, KY), and the Houston Texans, who lack any type of consistency at running back.

The Bengals' Rudi Johnson was equally as disappointing last season and former first rounder Chris Perry hasn't see too much of the football field over the past two seasons.  Second-year running back Kenny Irons is coming off major knee surgery and veteran Kenny Watson is a role player at best. 

Alexander, if he is indeed cut, is not going to be able to demand to much on the open market and could be a nice fit for a team looking to take a low-risk flyer.