Replacements for Kenneth Walker
By: Jake Rajala
The NFL free agency period is around the corner. One of the most enticing free agents is running back Kenneth Walker, also known as K9. I would like to see him return to the Hawks, but that may not come to fruition. With that said, I’m going to unfold potential replacements for him.
Rico Dowdle
The undrafted RB Rico Dowdle proved that he wasn’t a fluke (after recording 1k rushing yards with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024). The Carolina Panther ran for 1,076 yards, averaged 4.6 YPC, and six touchdowns in 2025. He was a PPR machine. According to “Gridiron Experts”, he will test free agency. The Panthers have a better OL than the Seahawks (as ranked by PFSN), so Dowdle could have a dip in performance.
JK Dobbins
I believe the Broncos will go in a younger direction at RB. They have RJ Harvey, who is 24 years old. I expect the Broncos to allow JK Dobbins to test the market and get paid a whole lot of money somewhere else. Dobbins can be a 1A, and he is quite versatile. He averaged 5.0 YPC this season.
Travis Etienne
The Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne is a Top-3 FA RB, so it may be hard to lure him in. However, the Hawks are NFC Champions, so they may be one of the most attractive destinations. He unleashed 1,107 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs this season. He is a better pass catcher than Walker, so that should make Darnold feel better with screens and RB option routes to him.
Alvin Kamara
The potential Hall of Famer, Alvin Kamara, is on his last legs. He was ranked very poorly by PFF this past season. I would only like to see the Hawks trade for Kamara, if they bring in another bell-cow RB. Kamara can be the 1B at RB and help with screens and sweeps. I suspect that Kamara will want to play for a Super Bowl contender in his final years, so Seattle makes sense.
Saquon Barkley
If the Hawks want to be aggressive and return to the Super Bowl, they should swing for the fences. Saquon took a step back last season, but the Hawks have the right situation to maximize from his remaining ability. Barkley can make defenders miss in space and he shines on inside and outside runs. Perhaps the Madden curse hurt him in 2025.
Jonathan Taylor
JT fell off a cliff in the back half last season. He could benefit from a change in scenery. The Seahawks could tempt the Colts with a very late first round pick and a second round pick, too. JT is 27 years old, so the time to cash in on his ability is “right now”. He recorded 18 touchdowns, which was first among RBs.
Honorable Mention:
Najee Harris
Najee Harris is coming off a season-ending injury. Then the Seahawks could get him cheap! He suffered his injury in September, so he should be ready for Week 1 of next season. Harris had four straight 1k yard seasons before 2025 rolled around. He is also 27, so the time is now to make him the bell-cow RB.
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