Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider offered an indication at the NFL combine regarding how discussions with running back Kenneth Walker III would proceed.
Engaging with journalists in Indianapolis, Schneider stated that while the Seahawks were eager to secure the return of the Super Bowl LX MVP, their operations needed to consider the complete squad. This indicated they had no intention of participating in a financial contest — even with one of the NFL’s most advantageous salary cap positions — lest they impede their capacity to preserve other vital components of their championship roster cohesive.
Consequently, it was hardly astonishing when the Seahawks permitted Walker to depart for a three-year, $43.05 million agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs shortly after the period for talks began last Monday. It was improbable that Seattle would commit to top-tier payment for someone who shared playing time with Zach Charbonnet in 2025 and would likely have continued in a shared role in 2026.
Schneider & Co. adopted an analogous methodical strategy with safety Coby Bryant, who finalized a three-year, $40 million deal with the Chicago Bears. These losses, alongside the anticipated exits of cornerback Riq Woolen and outside linebacker Boye Mafe, place the Seahawks to acquire a projected four supplementary draft selections in 2027, according to OverTheCap.
However logical those choices might have been, they present the Seahawks with certain vacancies to address, notably, a requirement for quickness in their running back corps following Walker’s exit.
Subsequent to acquiring a robust rusher in ex-Green Bay Packer Emanuel Wilson to complement George Holani and Charbonnet — who is in rehabilitation from an ACL rupture sustained during the postseason — Seattle must now locate an individual to regain some of the explosive playmaking capability absent with Walker’s departure.
The Seahawks did not pursue seriously the acquisition of Tyler Allgeier, as per an insider familiar with the circumstances, notwithstanding pre-free agency conjecture connecting Seattle to the former Atlanta Falcons back. They observed one prospective candidate in the Washington Commanders’ Chris Rodriguez Jr. ink a two-year, $10 million agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars, then subsequently brought in Wilson on a single-year contract that’s valued at a maximum of $2.1 million.
Unselected in the 2023 draft out of Division II Fort Valley State in George, Wilson passed his initial three years in Green Bay. Serving as a reserve for Josh Jacobs over the last two, he accumulated a total of 998 ground gains and seven scores across 228 attempts (4.4 average), and contributing 147 yards through receptions and a touchdown from 26 grabs during that period.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and 226 pounds, Wilson appears more appropriate for assisting in the substitution of Charbonnet’s robust rushing technique rather than mirroring Walker’s dynamic play.
“Our pro staff excelled in assessing and recognizing Emanuel and just saying, here’s this 230-pound guy with excellent footwork,” Schneider commented on his Seattle Sports 710-AM radio show. “When you secure a single-year agreement of that nature, it’s akin to an invitation to join, assimilate into our team ethos, demonstrate your capabilities, ascertain your potential, and contend with the squad. He offers a somewhat distinct element to our game. He’s a powerful back, and [we’re] enthusiastic regarding his presence.”
The Seahawks will persist in augmenting their running back contingent, which is expected to be deprived of Charbonnet’s services for a significant portion of 2026.
Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald have both conveyed confidence regarding Charbonnet’s outlook following the operation to mend the ruptured ACL. Nevertheless, the procedure was not performed until late February, implying a persistent possibility that he might not be fit for action until the latter part of next season.
“Were it solely Charbs’ decision, he probably would have just supported it with a brace and participated in the final two contests,” Schneider told the station. “Again, he’s a genuine professional. He’s remarkably resilient, and his commitment to effort is exemplary. … The operation concluded successfully, and the prognosis is favorable. I am confident he will approach his rehabilitation with his characteristic intensity.”
On two occasions during his weekly radio broadcast, Schneider applauded Holani for his performance in the playoffs upon taking on the secondary position when Charbonnet went down. His output was not particularly striking — 44 scrimmage yards on nine touches in two games — but Holani was proficient in receiving duties from the backfield and offered what Schneider termed “superior” pass blocking.
“A particular aspect that went unnoticed in those last two games — and I was discussing this with Mike Macdonald — George, he performed exceptionally well in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl,” Schneider remarked. “Whenever he enters a game, he consistently delivers.”
The Seahawks are convinced Holani possesses the aptitude to manage the full-time RB2 responsibilities. But the 2024 undrafted free agent also isn’t recognized for the explosive playmaking potential that Walker has exhibited over his four NFL seasons. When factoring in postseason play, Walker’s 34 scrimmage attempts exceeding 20 yards rank fourth highest among rushers during that timeframe.
Notwithstanding their league-leading rushing frequency, the Seahawks were positioned fifth throughout the regular season, achieving 75 gains of 20 yards or more. Their eight plays covering a minimum of 50 yards were the second highest total (Patriots had 10).
Subsequent to Walker’s departure, they undertook a notable action to retain a portion of that dynamism when they retained the services of wide receiver/Pro Bowl punt and kick return specialist Rashid Shaheed for three years and $51 million. Shaheed provides Seattle with an explosive counterpart to Cooper Kupp’s first-down-generating capabilities as supplementary choices to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Provided Horton can maintain his fitness after his inaugural season being abbreviated by a knee ailment, the Seahawks’ receiving unit ought not to be deficient in quickness. However, the origin of such swiftness within their running back group remains less certain. Kenny McIntosh might offer a solution, but the 2024 seventh-round pick is in rehabilitation for an ACL rupture after having previously missed playing time due to a distinct knee ailment as a rookie.
The Dolphins’ team overhaul has prompted some to speculate concerning a prospective exchange involving De’Von Achane, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter conveyed this week that Miami has informed inquiring clubs that the fourth-year speedster is currently not on the market.
Consequently, the player draft — where they presently possess only four selections — could represent the Seahawks’ most probable avenue for addressing their running back contingent’s requirement for quickness. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently foresaw the Seahawks selecting Mike Washington Jr., a running back out of Arkansas, during the second round of his most recent hypothetical draft scenario.
“We hold great regard for the current members of our squad right now, yet we shall persist in evaluating that role,” Schneider said.