Seahawks Trade Kenneth Walker? Ridiculous Rumor

The Seattle Seahawks did take two running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft, but that doesn't have to mean the end for Kenneth Walker.

The Seattle Seahawks added to their running back room for the second straight NFL Draft this offseason when they took UCLA's Zach Charbonnet in the second round, along with Georgia's Kenny McIntosh in the sixth. These two picks were made despite Kenneth Walker coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season as a rookie, who cost them a second-rounder the year prior. 

Now, heading into training camp, there is a new rumor that the Seahawks' drafting Charbonnet could mean the end for Walker in Seattle. 

"While this isn't an overreaction to the Seahawks using a second-round selection on Charbonnet, it is important to note that Seattle felt the need to account for what Walker III doesn't provide in the backfield," Clutchpoints recently wrote in an article listing potential trade candidates for the Seahawks. "Walker's PFF receiving grade (45th out of 60) wasn't great, but being one of the worst pass-blocking backs in all of football is downright problematic." 

The article goes on to point out that pass protection was a strength of Charbonnet coming out of college, which may lend itself to seeing the rookie more on passing downs. 

While Clutchpoints isn't wrong to think that Charbonnet could see the field and take some snaps away from Walker, it would be idiotic for the Seahawks to trade away Walker after just one season. 

Thanks to Seattle selecting him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he is set to make a little over $1 million this season. For a running back fresh off a 1,000-yard season, that is a massive bargain. Yes, as we've seen recently, the running back market continues to see a sharp decline financially, but Seattle doesn't have the threat of paying Walker anytime soon.

Walker is under contract through 2025, and by then, Charbonnet will be entering the final of his rookie deal (2026), giving the Seahawks time to make a well-informed decision as to who they'd like to keep. But for a team trying to build playoff success? Affordable firepower on rookie contracts is now to beat the cap ... and maybe beat other contenders in the NFC.

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