Barely two years after Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander won the league MVP award, the team has agreed to terms with one of the players who was expected prior to the 2005 season to contend for that prize.

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the Seahawks have struck a deal with tailback Julius Jones.

The move immediately calls into question Alexander’s status with the team.  Two weeks ago, there were rumors at the Scouting Combine that Alexander could be released.  Since then, the Seahawks have signed T.J. Duckett.

After rushing for 819 yards in only eight games during his rookie year of 2004, big things were expected of Jones in 2005.  But he didn’t even crack 1,000 yards in his second season.

Alexander is signed through 2013, and is due to earn a salary in excess of $5.5 million in 2008.

Also at risk is running back is Maurice Morris, who is due to earn a salary of $1 million in 2oo8, the final year of his current deal.