Seattle Seahawks Face Uncertain Future in Backfield After Kenneth Walker III's Departure

The Seattle Seahawks are navigating a significant transition in their backfield following the departure of running back Kenneth Walker III, who signed a three-year contract worth up to $45 million with the Kansas City Chiefs. Walker's exit comes after a standout season where he was named Super Bowl MVP, leading the Seahawks to their second championship with a performance that included 135 rushing yards against the New England Patriots. His departure leaves the Seahawks with uncertainty, particularly as projected starter Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL sustained during the playoffs.

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With Walker gone, the Seahawks' running back situation appears precarious. Charbonnet, who had been sharing the workload with Walker, is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season due to his injury. The team has signed Emanuel Wilson, but analysts suggest this move is more about adding depth than finding a reliable starter. The Seahawks currently have Charbonnet, Wilson, and George Holani on the roster, but the lack of a proven lead back raises concerns about their offensive capabilities heading into the new season.

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As the Seahawks prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, they are expected to target a running back early to fill the void left by Walker. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has suggested that Notre Dame's Jadarian Price could be a suitable choice at the No. 32 pick. Price's ability to provide a change of pace and his experience as a secondary option in college make him a compelling candidate to complement Charbonnet when he returns.

Newsweek

The decision to let Walker leave without a clear replacement has drawn criticism from various analysts. Sports Illustrated highlighted that the Seahawks may have underestimated the challenge of replacing Walker's explosive playmaking ability. The team’s strategy has been questioned, particularly as they opted to retain wide receiver Rashid Shaheed over Walker, a move that some view as a potential miscalculation.

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Seahawks general manager John Schneider expressed a desire to retain Walker but ultimately prioritized other roster needs. "We wanted to keep him, but we had to make tough decisions," Schneider stated. Meanwhile, Walker expressed his excitement about joining the Chiefs, emphasizing the importance of feeling appreciated in his new role.

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There are discrepancies regarding the Seahawks' confidence in their current running back options. While some sources suggest the team is actively seeking a new lead back, others indicate that they might rely on internal candidates. This uncertainty complicates their offseason strategy as they prepare for the draft and the upcoming season.

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The Seahawks are at a crossroads as they look to solidify their backfield. With the draft approaching, the team faces pressure to make strategic decisions that will define their offensive identity in the 2026 season. The next steps will likely involve either pursuing additional veteran options or focusing on drafting a running back to ensure they have a capable starter when the season begins.

Newsweek