Raiders Trading for Potential Star Running Back

   

The Seattle Seahawks were reported to potentially trade one of Kenneth Walker or Zach Charbonnet during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Most proposals are involving Kenneth Walker who is on the last year of his contract, but there is a real chance that Walker gets an extension and Charbonnet is expendable.

Here’s why the Raiders need to pick up the phone and see if Seattle would part with Charbonnet.

Zach Charbonnet Trade Proposal:

It’s a bummer Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet have to share a backfield. Both would shine if they were completely featured. Charbs vision and athleticism for a big back stood out to me whenever the Seahawks weren’t missing blocks. pic.twitter.com/CzRuRuaWHx

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) May 17, 2024

  • Raiders Receive: RB Zach Charbonnet
  • Seahawks Receive: 2025 4th Rounder #108

The Las Vegas Raiders are making a bold move in the 2025 offseason by acquiring running back Zach Charbonnet from the Seattle Seahawks. This trade not only enhances the Raiders’ backfield but also reflects a strategic alignment between key figures in the organization.​

Coaching Connections: Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly

The trade leverages existing relationships within the NFL coaching community. Pete Carroll, the Raiders’ new head coach, previously coached Charbonnet during his tenure at Seattle.

This familiarity with Charbonnet’s skills and work ethic likely could influence the decision to bring him to Las Vegas. Additionally, Chip Kelly, the Raiders’ offensive coordinator, was Charbonnet’s head coach at UCLA, providing further continuity and understanding of the player’s capabilities.

Could Kenneth Walker Be Traded?​

Kenneth Walker pic.twitter.com/0Hs57CZ4dH

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) April 18, 2025

“Walker was extremely inefficient in just 11 games. In fairness to Walker, he added value as a receiver, posting a career-best 46 receptions for 299 yards. However, you would typically think that Walker would be more efficient on fewer carries. Yet he ran for a career-low 3.7 YPC (573 yards) on only 153 attempts.”

The case for Walker being innefficient is certainly there, but in just 153 rushing attempts, Walker had a massive 61 missed tackles forced. Walker, despite having injury concerns is one of the most explosive RB’s in the NFL, but the Seahawks could view him as expendable with his upcoming contract situation.

Enhancing the Running Back Room

The Raiders’ running back depth chart included veterans Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick, along with developmental players like Zamir White and Dylan Laube. Mostert, at 33 years old, brings experience but also carries an injury history, while McCormick showed promise but faced challenges in 2024. 

White and Laube are still proving themselves at the NFL level. ​

Charbonnet’s potential addition brings a dynamic presence to the backfield. Known for his vision, power, and pass-catching ability, Charbonnet offers a balanced skill set that complements the Raiders’ offensive scheme. His experience under both Carroll and Kelly ensures a seamless integration into the team’s system. ​

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Running Back Room

With Charbonnet potentially in the fold, the Raiders’ running back room could be poised for a very competitive 2025 season. Mostert and McCormick provide depth and versatility, while White and Laube have opportunities to develop under the guidance of experienced coaches. 

The addition of Charbonnet not only would strengthen the position but also aligns with the team’s strategic vision to build a dominant rushing attack. ​

This potential trade for Zach Charbonnet could prove the Raiders’ commitment to enhancing their 2025 roster through acquisitions and leveraging existing coaching relationships. 

As the 2025 season approaches, the running back corps needs to be strengthened so the Raiders could succeed in the competitive AFC West.