The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a massive need at running back. It wasn’t shocking to see general manager John Schneider use the No. 32 overall pick on Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price. Price projects to possess such a massive role in Seattle’s offense as a rookie that you wonder if he could garner Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.
The Seahawks lost Super Bowl 60 winning MVP Kenneth Walker III to free agency. Schneider would have loved to retain Walker, but could not justify matching the three-year, $43 million contract he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. At $14.3 million per year, he’s now the fourth-highest paid player in the league at his position.
The Seahawks have Zach Charbonnet recovering from a season-ending torn ACL suffered during the playoffs. That’s going to complicate his 2026 season, especially the early portion. Schneider didn’t do much at running back in free agency either, adding RB3 Emanuel Wilson to the roster.
It’ll be exciting to monitor Price’s progress in new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury’s scheme. Coach Fleury worked under run-game mastermind Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, which bodes well for Price. The Seahawks should continue to be a balanced offense.
The winner of Offensive Rookie of the Year is typically a player who has a lot of opportunity. Who lines up in the backfield for the Seahawks at running back in Week 1? Does Price receive the first carry of the season? Don’t underrate Price’s chances to win OROY honors.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Could Seahawks RB Jadarian Price win Offensive Rookie of the Year?