Zach Charbonnet

Seattle is strongly expected to draft a RB in the 2026 NFL Draft (April 24-26), possibly as early as Round 1, with Emmett Johnson (Nebraska) and Jonah Coleman (Washington) linked to the team. A high-pedigree pick could assume starter duties while Charbonnet recovers and permanently challenge his path back.

The Seahawks planned to move on from Kenneth Walker III this offseason, but Walker is now the reigning Super Bowl MVP while Charbonnet is sidelined with a torn ACL. Walker must be retained with Charbonnet likely to miss much of the 2026 season.

Kenneth Walker III won Super Bowl LX MVP with 161 scrimmage yards and is the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since 1998, with 135 rushing yards marking the most in a Super Bowl since Davis' 157. Walker's elevated profile makes reclaiming the primary role extremely difficult.

Kenneth Walker III won Super Bowl LX MVP with 135 rushing yards and is the first RB to win the award since 1998. Walker is now a free agent commanding $13.5M+ annually, and Seattle is heavily motivated to re-sign him given Charbonnet's injury.

Kenneth Walker III won Super Bowl LX MVP then departed as a UFA, signing a 3-year/$43M deal with Kansas City. The backfield is now genuinely open — no proven incumbent stands between Charbonnet and the lead role when healthy.

New OC Brian Fleury brings the Kyle Shanahan outside-zone system from San Francisco's run-heavy offense. This scheme historically produces elite RB fantasy and real-world value and is well-suited to Charbonnet's skill set as a between-the-tackles and receiving back.

With Walker gone and the backfield thin, a healthy Charbonnet who performs in the second half of 2026 holds real leverage for a lucrative new deal. A strong showing in a Shanahan-tree run-heavy offense could reset his market value significantly above his current rookie contract.

Current depth chart shows Charbonnet on IR with George Holani, Velus Jones, and Cam Akers ahead. If healthy and able to return mid-to-late season, he could carve out value as an elite emergency option, though establishing consistent role would be difficult.

In the six games Walker missed last season, Charbonnet averaged 18.3 touches and 19.2 fantasy points per game. If healthy by late 2026, he retains significant emergency appeal as proven RB1 insurance in a quality offense.