Seahawks' New Backfield: Charbonnet & McLaughlin

On March 13th, the Seattle Seahawks face a big question in their backfield for week one

of the 2026 season after losing star running back.

Kenneth Walker, the third, to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Walker signed a massive deal averaging a little over $14 million a year, the highest

annual salary for any running back to his offseason.

He proved his worth in 2025 by leading Seattle to their second Super Bowl win and earning

MVP honors.

Here this offseason, Seahawks general manager John Schneider stepped to his price and avoided

a bidding war, earning praise as the top executive.

Walker had silenced doubters from his rookie year with a healthy explosive season, especially

after his back up got hurt.

Now that leaves a gap right behind quarterback Sam Darnold, was Zack Sharvenay expected

to step up as the main guy.

Many Seahawks fans feel confident Sharvenay can handle the load once healthy.

He's a powerful runner with good vision, solid and short yardage, and productive enough.

But somewhere he lacks Walker's game breaking speed that terrified defenses and changed

games.

Enter Jalil McLaughlin from the Denver Broncos, a 25-year-old undrafted free agent who

could be a perfect complement.

In his first two seasons, he rushed for over 900 yards and nearly 5 yards per carry plus

six touchdowns.

Even with limited action in 2025, just 37 carries, his efficiency top Denver starters, thanks

to his quickness and.

Illusiveness, despite his smaller frame, the Seahawks might pair McLaughlin's speed with

Sharvenay's power for 9 or 10 touches a game each.

If that works under new coach Brian Flurry, they've got balance without chasing pricier

options, keeping their run game humming into the new year.