The Seattle Seahawks suffered a major loss when running back Kenneth Walker III left in free agency, but the team could hit the trade block to replace their Super Bowl MVP.
Walker joined the Kansas City Chiefs at the start of free agency, leaving the Seahawks with Zach Charbonnet to lead their backfield. With concerns over Charbonnet’s season-ending injury and the lack of production behind him, one analyst suggests that the team take aim at a versatile running back on the trade market.
Seattle Seahawks Could Find Perfect Fit in D’Andre Swift
SI.com’s Jeremy Brener suggested that the Seahawks pursue Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift, a versatile player who has amassed more than 6,800 yards from scrimmage since coming into the NFL in 2020.
“Following the loss of Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, Seattle’s backfield is in a state of flux. While the draft offers potential, a trade for Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift presents a win-now opportunity for the defending Super Bowl champions,” Brener wrote.
Brener added that Swift fits the mold of Seattle’s favored running backs, physical and versatile enough to make contributions in both the rushing and passing games.
“Seattle’s current depth chart is thin,” Brener wrote. “Beyond the injured Charbonnet, the roster features Emanuel Wilson, George Holani and Kenny McIntosh.”
Brener suggested the Seahawks could land Swift for a mid-round pick, allowing them to trade down from the No. 32 spot instead of using that pick on a running back. This trade would also be necessary to give the Seahawks — who have only four draft picks — the capital needed to land Swift. The move would also give Charbonnet more time to recover “without rushing him back,” Brener added.
Given the team’s pressure to defend their Super Bowl title, landing Swift could be closer to a necessity, he added.
‘The Seahawks have a wide open Super Bowl window. Relying on a rookie or a committee of unproven backups to replace Walker’s production is a risk,” Brener wrote. “By acquiring Swift, Seattle gets a dynamic, dual-threat weapon who fits the offensive identity and is available at a discounted price due to Chicago’s roster transition.”
Seahawks Advised to Use Draft Pick on Running Back
Other analysts believe the Seahawks will take a different approach to round out the backfield. Reporter Mike Salk of Seattle Sports predicted the Seahawks would indeed land Price with their No. 32 overall pick, saying his value is just too much to pass up.
“It is always difficult to say a team should draft a running back in the first round. We have learned our lesson, and that is not a position you want to consider at that level of value,” Salk said in an April 19 video. “This year might be a little different for the Seahawks for a couple of reasons. It is pick No. 32, not pick No. 16. So when you say it is a first-round pick, it is, but it is very close to the second round, especially in what is generally considered a weak draft.
“This year, the running backs available include only two who are starter-quality, game-changing options. The Seahawks do need a running back after letting Kenneth Walker go, losing Zach Charbonnet to injury, and not having many other players on the roster who can carry the rock as often as someone like Jadarian Price could. I do think they should draft him at No. 32 if he is available.”
Seahawks Urged to Add 6,800-Yard RB to Replace Kenneth Walker III