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5 Seahawks Replacement Options For Kenneth Walker in Free Agency & NFL Draft
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- 5 Seahawks Replacement Options For Kenneth Walker in Free Agency & NFL Draft
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Seattle Seahawks fans are lowkey sweating their running back situation right now. But general manager John Schneider? Not blinking.
With Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III off to Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet not expected to be ready for Week 1, the backfield looks thin on paper. But when asked about the plan, Schneider reveals Seattle isn't panicking… yet.
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With that said, let's look at five running backs the Seahawks should absolutely have on their radar to fill the Walker III void in 2026.
Nicholas Singleton
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Nick Singleton is sitting right in that Day 2–Day 3 NFL Draft sweet spot. Exactly where Seattle loves to hunt for value. And stylistically? He's a good fit.
The Penn State back is a classic one-cut-and-go back—built for outside-zone. Press the edge, plant the foot, and he's gone. Seattle's run game has been missing that true home-run hitter, the guy who can flip field position in a single snap. Singleton brings that juice.
He thrives in wide-zone looks and doesn't need a bunch of window dressing—just give him a crease and let him cook. Natural downhill burst, decisive vision, and once he hits top gear, DBs are taking bad angles. What makes him even more intriguing? He's got size and speed. Not just a straight-line guy—he adds a legit vertical stress element to the offense.
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Antonio Gibson
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Antonio Gibson just came off a Super Bowl run with New England , and if Seattle brings him in, you're instantly adding legit dual-threat juice to the backfield.
Gibson is basically a RB/WR hybrid—can line up in the slot, motion out wide, and be a weapon in the screen game. He's produced over 1,400 rushing yards in his career, but his real value is in the versatility he brings to the offense.
Plus, he's a free agent, which makes the money side of things way cleaner. You're getting a scheme-flex weapon with upside without blowing up your cap.
Najee Harris
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Najee Harris is one of the last true three-down backs in the league. He runs between the tackles, catches out of the backfield, and stands tall in pass pro. That kind of versatility hits different, especially after losing Kenneth Walker III.
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Durability? Elite. High snap counts, a heavy workload, and still shows up every Sunday. That's something you can't say about a lot of backs on the market. Where Harris really separates himself—third downs. Blitz pickup, checkdowns, keeping the QB clean… he's as reliable as it gets. At his size, he's also built for the dirty work—short yardage, goal-line, clock-killing drives.
Jadarian Price
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Jadarian Price is also projected right in that Round 2–3 window. And from a scheme standpoint? This is a clean fit. Price wins with vision and processing, not just raw juice. He's constantly reading leverage, setting up blocks, and slicing through cutback lanes like a pro. In a Kubiak-style outside zone system, that's pure gold.
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He's the kind of back who keeps you on schedule—rarely takes negative plays, stacks efficient gains, and lets the offense stay ahead of the chains. Super patient runner, lets the play develop, then hits it with timing. And he's not just an early-down grinder. Price brings a complete skill set—can contribute in the pass game, hold up in pass pro, and stay on the field for all three downs.
Austin Ekeler
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Austin Ekeler is basically a slot receiver disguised as a running back. Elite hands, crisp routes, and a natural feel in space—plug him into the Seahawks offense and the passing game levels up instantly.
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Even in "down" years, he's been that safety valve every QB loves—checkdowns, screens, red-zone touches… he just produces. If Seattle leans into spread looks and quick-game concepts, Ekeler isn't just a back—he's a legit scheme weapon.
Ekeler is a high-IQ player, too. He knows when to leak out, reads coverages, thrives in hurry-up. He's always where the QB needs him.
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