The Seattle Seahawks may have just won Super Bowl LX, but that doesn’t mean they are going to sit idly by this offseason. Early on, the team has moved quickly to revamp its coaching staff after losing offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to the Las Vegas Raiders, while also making sure that the talent level of the roster remains high.
While the Seahawks have re-signed several of their own free agents, one guy who left town was star running back Kenneth Walker III, as he opted to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. Considering how Walker is fresh off winning Super Bowl MVP for Seattle, his departure looms large, but the front office made an under-the-radar move on Thursday evening in an effort to replace him.
Seahawks Sign Emanuel Wilson to $2.1 Million Contract
Now added to the mix in Seattle in a deal done by Andrew Kessler of @AthletesFirst.
While the Seahawks already have a starting-caliber running back, Zach Charbonnet, lined up to replace Walker, there’s no guarantee he’s going to improve his lackluster efficiency now that he’s getting more touches. He’s also recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the playoffs, so the Seahawks understandably wanted to have another option they can turn to in the running back room.
Enter Emanuel Wilson, a former undrafted free agent who carved out a role with the Green Bay Packers as their No. 2 running back behind Josh Jacobs. As Jacobs dealt with injuries throughout 2025, Wilson got more touches, and he ended up racking up 496 yards and three touchdowns on 125. In the two games he started, though, Wilson ran for 151 yards and two touchdowns, indicating he can be a top option when called upon.
With Jacobs staying put in Green Bay, though, Wilson wanted an opportunity to earn a bigger role this offseason. After losing Walker, Seattle suddenly found itself needing a new running back, and it quickly locked in on Wilson. On Thursday, reports emerged indicating that Wilson had signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Seahawks.
“The Seahawks are signing former Packers RB Emanuel Wilson to a 1-year deal worth up to $2.1M, source said,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported in a post on X. “Wilson flashed last season with a 107-yard game and another for 82 yards. Now added to the mix in Seattle in a deal done by Andrew Kessler of Athletes First.”
Seahawks Assemble New Running Back Duo After Kenneth Walker III’s Departure
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 08: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 to win Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
This isn’t to say Wilson will be a direct replacement for Walker, but adding him to the running back room adds a new element that the Seahawks were lacking in the wake of the latter’s departure. Wilson also struggled with his efficiency in 2025, averaging just four yards per carry, although it is worth noting the Packers endured their fair share of struggles along the offensive line last season.
Signing a prove-it deal will give Wilson a chance to hit the market again next offseason and earn an even bigger contract. With Charbonnet still recovering from his ACL injury, Wilson could have a shot to earn the team’s starting job come Week 1. Seattle may add another name at this spot, but this could go down as a sneaky good signing when all is said and done.
Seahawks Sign Kenneth Walker III Replacement in Free Agency