The Seattle Seahawks spent quite a few resources in the latter part of the offseason solidifying the backfield. The Seahawks made another move Wednesday to add running back depth with rookie TJ Harden.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday the Seahawks plan to sign Harden to a 1-year contract. Harden spent spring practices and the early part of training camp with the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns released Harden on August 3.
Seattle was busy with roster transactions Wednesday. In addition to Harden, the team signed cornerback Jordan Washington. In corresponding moves, the Seahawks waived cornerback Brandon Johnson and outside linebacker Garrett Nelson to create roster space.
The Seahawks waived Nelson just a day after initially signing him.
Seahawks Sign RB TJ Harden: Report
GettyNFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Seattle Seahawks are signing undrafted rookie running back TJ Harden.
Harden will get a shot with the Seahawks after failing to stay with the Browns for the preseason. Cleveland parted with the running back Monday to create space for defensive tackle Travis Bell.
Harden played most of his college career at UCLA. From 2022-24, he rushed for 1,658 yards and 12 scores with the Bruins. He also chipped in 63 receptions, 523 receiving yards and two additional touchdowns.
The running back concluded his college career, though, last season for SMU. He gained 886 yards from scrimmage, including 787 rushing yards, with 10 touchdowns.
Harden’s best season was in 2023 when he averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Behind that average, he gained a career-high 827 rushing yards and scored eight touchdowns.
Seahawks RB Depth Chart at 2026 NFL Training Camp
GettySeattle Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price could start this season.
With the addition of Harden, the Seahawks will have seven running backs on their training camp roster.
Some social media users were alarmed at the addition of Harden, taking it as a bad sign for Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price. But quite a few pundits have seen Price as a bright spot at Seattle’s training camp.
The Seahawks adding Harden might simply be about depth and not giving Price another challenger for the starting role.
Zach Charbonnet is the most the most proven running back on the Seahawks roster. But he won’t be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season because of a serious knee injury he sustained in January.
The Seahawks added veteran backup running back Emanuel Wilson in NFL free agency. Wilson could start in the short term until Charbonnet is ready.
But Price was the team’s first-round pick at No. 32 overall. He’s the most logical choice to start if he’s ready for the responsibility. Wilson could then contribute in a reserve role as he did with the Green Bay Packers the past two years, rushing for 1,000 yards total from 2024-25.
Fellow running back George Holani could be a factor as well. Some pundits have been high on Holani since the start of training camp.
The Seahawks also have running backs Jacardia Wright and Velus Jones Jr. on the roster. Harden will most likely compete with Wright and Jones for opportunities at practice and in preseason games.
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