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The Seattle “might not pursue a legitimate Kenneth Walker III replacement this offseason,” because they already have one.
Heading into the 2026-27 Seattle Seahawks season, one of the bigger gaps in the team’s lineup is the running back position, since they had to let Super Bowl MVP-winning running back Kenneth Walker III walk in free agency.
Walker will be difficult, but not impossible, to replace. The Michigan State University product ended the season with a massive 221 carries for 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns, according to NFL research, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. He also started in all 17 games and helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl. That’s why he was named Super Bowl LX MVP, after all.
But, the Seahawks just couldn’t, or wouldn’t, pay him, so Walker, well, walked and went to the Kansas City Chiefs. It helps that he’s not in the same division or conference as the Seahawks, but it still stings, kind of like seeing an ex with someone else.
Now, though, it’s possible the Seattle Seahawks already have their running back room set for the 2026-27 season.
Former Seattle Seahawks Running Back Kenneth Walker III May Already Be Replaced in 2026-27 Lineup
In a Wednesday, March 18 feature for ESPN, the outlet’s experts discuss the current state of the NFL, including for the Seahawks. When it comes to the team’s running back roster, they hint at the team already believing they have what they need to be successful next season, without bringing on new blood.
In the piece, Brady Henderson says that as Zach Charbonnet recovers from his injury, the Seattle Seahawks are confident that George Holani, who’s already on the roster, can really step it up in 2026 and make things happen.
“The Seahawks believe George Holani is capable of being the No. 2 running back,” Henderson states in the feature, adding that they “still need to replace Walker’s explosiveness. But don’t discount Holani’s ability to factor into their backfield mix after he performed well in the No. 2 role in the playoffs once Charbonnet went down.”
Seattle Seahawks ‘Might Not Pursue a Legitimate Walker Replacement This Offseason’
Then, Matt Sullivan of the Sporting News takes it a step further and says that Holani, even if he’s not a direct Walker replacement, may be what the team needs.
“While the Seahawks don’t explicitly view Holani as a 100% replacement for Walker,” Sullivan states, “there is enough belief in him that they might not pursue a legitimate Walker replacement this offseason.”
“The Seahawks believe George Holani is capable of being the No. 2 running back,” Henderson writes. “… They still need to replace Walker’s explosiveness. But don’t discount Holani’s ability to factor into their backfield mix after he performed well in the No. 2 role in the playoffs once Charbonnet went down.”
He adds, “While he might not be the complete Walker replacement, Holani, along with Wilson and Charbonnet, once he’s healthy, the Seahawks might have their running back room set for 2026 already.”
As for the numbers and statistics, Holani, 26, has been with Seattle for two seasons. According to NFL research, he ran the ball 22 times for 73 yards and one touchdown during the 2025-26 season, catching two passes for 15 yards in the regular season. When Charbonnet has his torn ACL, Holani took on a larger role and delivered.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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