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On Monday evening, we learned of reports that running back James Starks was nearing a contract agreement to stay with the Green Bay Packers. Two days later, that signing has been made official. Starks will be a Packer again in 2014, as the Packers officially announced.
#Packers have re-signed James Starks. His 5.54 avg. in 2013 was #1 among RBs with 80+ carries: http://t.co/Fk26q24KPB pic.twitter.com/2zx41ETYSd
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) March 19, 2014
No terms of the deal have yet been released, but reports from Monday indicate that it will be a two-year contract. Starks rejoins a backfield that includes starter and 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year Eddie Lacy, along with 2013 fourth-round pick Johnathan Franklin, DuJuan Harris, and Michael Hill.
Starks had his second-best season in terms of most statistics in 2013, but most would argue that he was a better running back as a second option in 2013 than he was in 2011 as a primary back. As the tweet above notes, Starks had a 5.5 yards per carry average last season, well above his previous career high of 4.3. His four touchdowns were also a career-high.
Starks of course made his big mark in his rookie year of 2010 during the Packers' playoff run and eventual win in Super Bowl XLV. Over the team's four playoff games that year, Starks posted 81 carries for 315 yards and one touchdown.