One of the major offseason decisions for the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks revolves around the future of running back Kenneth Walker III, who is set to enter free agency for the first time. Walker showcased his talents in the latter part of the season, amassing impressive numbers. From Week 16 leading into the Super Bowl, he tallied 771 yards from scrimmage, averaged 5.2 yards per carry, and scored five touchdowns in Seattle’s last six games. Notably, his performance in the Super Bowl earned him the MVP title after he rushed for 161 yards.
However, the Seahawks may face challenges in retaining Walker due to projected costs. The Athletic estimates that Walker’s next contract could average around $13 million per year, positioning him as the fifth-highest-paid running back in the league.
If the Seahawks choose not to re-sign Walker, there are options in April’s NFL Draft, though the running back class is deemed not particularly strong. NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter shared insights during an appearance on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy, suggesting that although there are mid-round prospects who could contribute, the standout is likely to be Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, projected to be the only first-round running back. Reuter foresees Love going as early as the eighth overall pick, well ahead of Seattle’s current slot at No. 32.
Besides Love, Reuter notes three other running backs who may enter the early rounds: Jadarian Price from Notre Dame at No. 59, Kaytron Allen from Penn State at No. 74, and Emmett Johnson from Nebraska at No. 97. Johnson, while not widely recognized, has drawn positive attention for his performance, achieving a Big Ten-leading 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns this past season. His total of 1,821 yards from scrimmage ranks second in the FBS.
Emmett Johnson, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 200 pounds, is considered an intriguing player by Reuter. He praised Johnson’s quickness and toughness, suggesting that he could find himself drafted within the top 50 picks or late in the second round, and speculated that his talent might garner attention after a few games in the NFL.
As the Seahawks look towards addressing their roster, the decisions they make regarding Walker and potential draft picks could have significant implications on their future performance. With a focus on improving the team, the offseason promises to be a pivotal period for the organization.