Orchard Park, NY (WGR 550) -- The Buffalo Bills have acquired QB Travaris Jackson from Seattle in exchange for a conditional draft pick in 2013. The team made room on the roster by releasing Vince Young.
The pick, according to Jason LaCanfora of CBS, is a seventh-round selection that can turn in to a sixth if Jackson is active (dressed) for 6 or more games this season.
Jackson was lost on the depth chart in Seattle with rookie 3rd round pick Russell Wilson winning the starting job and free agent pick-up Matt Flynn earning the back up job.
Speaking with the media on Monday afternoon, Buddy Nix essentially confirmed that the move came about once the cloudy quarterback situation in Seattle became a bit clearer.
"We're always looking to improve. If we think we can better ourselves in the backup position or in any position really, then we'll do it," Nix said. "The timing has a lot to do with when the guy came available. It wasn't like it was something you could do earlier or whatever. It was just availability and a need to see if we can better."
Jackson is someone the Bills general manager has been tracking for quite some time, and not just since Nix has been with the Bills.
"We've always kept an eye on him. I was at his workout when he came out, he worked out at Auburn [in 2006]," he said. "I remember very well standing there watching him throw and go through the workouts so we knew he was talented. Sometimes those guys, where they are means a lot. So timing, and maybe getting in the right place and the right system, he'll blossom, and I hope he does."
Nix added that Jackson is a big, strong-armed player that throws a deep ball well, and also has an added value with his mobility.
It's a limited time-frame for Jackson to get ready for the season, but Bills fans may even see him as early as Thursday night in Detroit.
"You know we've got two weeks before we play -- actually two weeks from Sunday. We think he maybe can play some this week," Nix said. "So we'll see how far along he is and if he's ready to play Thursday night we'll give him some time."
Jackson will take part in practice on Monday and Tuesday at One Bills Drive. The team flies out to Detroit on Wednesday afternoon.
Here is the official release sent out by the team announcing the trade:
BILLS ACQUIRE QB JACKSON
Orchard Park, NY—The Buffalo Bills today announced that the team has acquired QB Tarvaris Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks for an undisclosed draft choice.
Jackson started 14-of-15 games played for Seattle in 2011 and set career-highs in attempts (450), completions (271), passing yards (3,091) and passing touchdowns (14).
Jackson is entering his seventh season in the NFL after originally being drafted by Minnesota in the second-round (64th overall) of the 2006 Draft. The 6-2, 225-poound Alabama State product has started 34-of-51 career games, totaling 7,075 yards on 625-of-1,053 passing with 38 touchdowns and 35 interceptions along with 643 rushing yards on 159 attempts and five touchdowns.
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