The Seattle Seahawks might be shaking up their backfield. With the 2025 NFL Draft right around the corner, Seattle appears open to trading one of their top two running backs- Kenneth Walker III or Zach Charbonnet, according to SlickRickScoops. Both are young, talented, and still on rookie deals, but there’s growing chatter that one could be on the move soon.
It’s not just smoke. Walker, a 2022 second-round pick, struggled through an injury-plagued season and finished with a career-low 573 rushing yards on 3.7 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Charbonnet flashed versatility, especially in the passing game, giving Seattle something to think about. With other positions needing attention and a shaky offensive line that hasn’t helped either back, the team seems to be weighing its options.
Balancing Value And Future Planning
The idea of dealing Walker isn’t new. Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie recently listed him as a trade candidate, noting the looming contract decisions. “Walker was drafted one year earlier and is up for a new contract first, with 2025 set to be the last season of his contract,” Xie wrote. That timing could push Seattle to explore a move now rather than lose value later.
Denver has emerged as a possible trade partner, with a fifth-round pick floated in early conversations. The Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns have also surfaced in trade speculation. With Pete Carroll now in Vegas, sending Walker to his former coach would be a reunion, but one that might sting for fans already reeling from the departures of DK Metcalf, Geno Smith, and Tyler Lockett.
As for Charbonnet, he’s not immune to trade talk either. Some believe his upside and cheaper long-term control might tempt Seattle to shop him instead. But his skill set, particularly as a receiving threat, could make him the more valuable asset to keep.
The Seahawks’ offense is in flux. The run game underwhelmed last year, and the offensive line took a step back. Fixing that starts in the draft, where a player like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty could catch their eye at pick No. 18. Still, even a new back would face the same blocking issues unless the line improves.
