Seahawks GM John Schneider on losing RB Kenneth Walker III: We ‘can find guys’

The Seattle Seahawks lost starting running back and Super Bowl MVP LX Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. That said, Seahawks president of football operations and general manager John Schneider is optimistic about the team’s ability to replace Walker. “It’s a position where you can find guys,” Schneider said Thursday in an interview with 710 Seattle Sports when asked about the state of Seattle’s running back room. “Obviously, [Walker was] outstanding, and everyone is really excited for him. I mean, it’s a great, great contract for a running back. But George [Holani] did an excellent job. We’re really excited about Emanuel Wilson, who we got from the Green Bay Packers, a heavy runner with really nice feet. ” Walker signed a three-year, $43.1 million contract with the Chiefs earlier this month, with his average annual value of about $14.4 million ranking fourth among NFL running backs. “Just to calm people down, this time of year, I get it,” Schneider added. “But, like, [Zach Charbonnet] it’s going very well [recovering from an ACL tear]. Kenny McIntosh, he had a great [2024] season, and it was just horrible [ACL] hurt for him. But I understand. And that’s a position that…we know where we are right now. ” Last season, Walker totaled 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry, while totaling 282 receiving yards. Overall, the Seahawks finished tied for 10th in the NFL in rushing (123.3 yards per game). Then, in Seattle’s three playoff games, Walker totaled 313 yards and four touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry. The highlights were 135 yards rushing against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl and 116 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round. Walker was Seattle’s second-round pick in 2022. In his rookie season, he totaled 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry in January and is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. Seahawks signed the aforementioned Wilson to a one-year deal, who averaged 499 yards and 3.5 touchdowns per season with the Packers Elsewhere, Seattle’s backcourt includes McIntosh, Holani, Cam Akers and Jacardia Wright.