Jadarian Price

Zach Charbonnet (torn ACL, January 2026 playoffs) is tracking for a late-October to November return, which could fragment Price's bellcow workload in the second half of his rookie season. Charbonnet is also in the final year of his contract, so the competition dynamic is temporary but real.

Even with Walker gone and Charbonnet (ACL) sidelined, Seattle signed Emanuel Wilson and retains George Holani, so Price is the early-down lead but not a guaranteed three-down bellcow.

Zach Charbonnet is rehabbing a January ACL tear; if he returns to form he reclaims passing-down and goal-line work, compressing Price into a committee by late 2026 or 2027.

Price's college receiving usage at Notre Dame was modest; his ability to hold a three-down role in a modern NFL passing game is unproven and will determine whether he can be a true RB1 or a volume-dependent workhorse.

Running backs decline earlier than other skill positions, and Price's peak dynasty window is likely ages 22–26. His value will need to be maximized in the next 2–3 seasons before the typical RB depreciation curve kicks in.

Seattle invested the 32nd overall pick in Price, the first pick of Night 2 and one of the most valuable non-Top-10 slots. Teams rarely bench first-round RBs, ensuring Price receives every opportunity to cement the role regardless of early struggles.

Kenneth Walker III departed in free agency and Charbonnet is out until at minimum late October — Price has a clear, unobstructed path to 15+ carries per game from Week 1 of 2026, a rare gift for a rookie RB.

Seattle has historically been one of the most run-committed franchises in the NFL, and Sam Darnold's arrival sustains a balanced-to-run-heavy identity that maximizes a between-the-tackles runner like Price.

Young RB (22) — peak value years ahead