The Seahawks didn’t make a splash.
They made a quiet move.
And it might tell us more about their running back plans than people think.
Seahawks Re-Sign George Holani — And It Might Be a Clue
Seattle officially tendered exclusive rights free agent George Holani, keeping the 26-year-old running back in the building for 2026.
On the surface, it’s a routine roster move.
But context matters.
And this one could hint at how the Seahawks plan to handle their uncertain backfield.
Holani’s 2025 Role
Holani, an undrafted free agent out of Boise State in 2024, carved out a meaningful role last season:
- Appeared in 11 regular-season games
- 73 rushing yards on 22 carries
- 1 rushing touchdown
- 1 special teams touchdown (kickoff recovery in Week 2)
- Played significant postseason snaps
After Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in the divisional round, Holani stepped into the No. 2 running back role during playoff wins over the Rams and Patriots.
He logged:
- 47 offensive snaps
- 5 carries
- 4 catches for 34 yards
Not eye-popping production — but trusted enough to play meaningful postseason football.
That’s not nothing.
The Kenneth Walker Question
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Kenneth Walker III is a free agent.
If Walker leaves, the Seahawks’ running back room suddenly becomes very thin.
By re-signing Holani early, Seattle ensures at least one familiar piece remains in place while they navigate:
- Walker negotiations
- Free agency
- The 2026 NFL Draft
It doesn’t mean Holani is the long-term answer.
But it means the Seahawks value him as part of the equation.
Why This Matters
Holani already beat out a sixth-round draft pick (Damien Martinez) for the No. 3 job last season.
He flashed in preseason:
- 61 yards on 7 carries vs. the Raiders
- 1 touchdown
He’s entering his third year in the system — which often signals a developmental leap window for running backs.
If Walker returns, Holani likely competes for backup duties.
If Walker leaves?
Holani could begin camp as the only returning back with meaningful NFL reps in Seattle’s system.
That’s leverage.
Seattle’s Likely Plan
Let’s be realistic.
If Walker departs, the Seahawks will almost certainly:
- Draft a running back
- Or sign one in free agency
But re-signing Holani suggests they see him as more than just a camp body.
He provides:
- Special teams value
- Scheme familiarity
- Playoff experience
- Cheap depth
And in today’s NFL, cost-controlled running back depth is valuable.
The Bigger Picture
Seattle has over $60 million in cap space.
They’re defending a Super Bowl.
They’re not scrambling.
They’re layering.
Re-signing George Holani doesn’t answer the RB question.
But it keeps a viable piece on the chessboard while the bigger moves unfold.
And sometimes, the quiet moves reveal the clearest intentions.
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