The Seattle Seahawks may soon need a new running back â and a surprising breakout player could be the answer. đđ„
With Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walkerâs future uncertain, analysts believe Seattle could target Kenneth Gainwell when NFL free agency opens.
Seahawks Linked to Breakout RB Kenneth Gainwell Before Free Agency
The Seattle Seahawks could be preparing for life without star running back Kenneth Walker III, and one potential replacement is starting to emerge.
According to ESPN analyst Ben Solak, Kenneth Gainwell could be an ideal free-agent target for Seattle when the new league year begins.
Gainwell is coming off the best season of his NFL career, making him one of the most intriguing value options on the running back market.
Gainwellâs Breakout Season in 2025
Gainwell had a career year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming one of the teamâs most productive offensive weapons.
His numbers were impressive:
2025 season stats
- 537 rushing yards
- 486 receiving yards
- 1,023 total yards from scrimmage
- 73 receptions
Those 486 receiving yards ranked fifth among NFL running backs, while his rushing efficiency also stood out.
Advanced metrics showed:
- 4.7 yards per carry
- 47% rushing success rate
- 0.58 rushing yards over expected per carry
Those numbers placed him in the same efficiency range as star backs like Breece Hall and Jonathan Taylor.
Why Gainwell Could Fit in Seattle
The Seahawks may be forced to restructure their backfield this offseason.
Several key factors are at play:
- Kenneth Walker III is entering free agency
- Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL during the playoffs
If Walker leaves, Seattle would need another running back capable of contributing immediately.
Gainwell could fill that role.
Initially, he could handle a significant workload while Charbonnet recovers, and later transition into a complementary backfield weapon once Charbonnet returns.
A Versatile Offensive Weapon
Gainwellâs biggest strength is his versatility.
In 2025, he became quarterback Aaron Rodgersâ favorite receiving target out of the backfield.
He is known for:
- elite route-running for a running back
- strong pass-catching ability
- creating mismatches against linebackers
Gainwell even lined up in the slot 55 times last season, highlighting his receiver-like skills.
The Price Could Be Right for Seattle
Another reason Gainwell makes sense for Seattle is cost.
The Seahawks may not want to spend heavily on a running back if Walker departs.
Projected contract estimates:
- $5.9 million over two years (Spotrac estimate)
- Up to $10 million over two years (The Athletic projection)
That would be significantly cheaper than re-signing Walker, who is expected to command a much larger contract on the open market.
A Possible âKenneth-for-Kennethâ Swap
If Walker signs elsewhere, Seattle could potentially replace one Kenneth with another.
While Gainwell may not be a full-season workhorse, he could be a valuable part of Seattleâs offensive rotation â especially if paired with Charbonnet later in the year.
With free agency approaching quickly, Gainwell could become one of the Seahawksâ most realistic offseason targets.
Leave a Reply