PFN lists Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker as potential trade candidate

Should the Seahawks look to trade away former second-round pick Kenneth Walker?

Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) during warmups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images / Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks have some shiny new pieces on offense, but their offensive line has arguably gotten worse since the season ended. The ground game was unimpressive as a whole in 2024, and the offensive line clearly played a role in that.

Perhaps with a few additions to the offensive line in the 2025 NFL draft, the Seahawks can get their running game back on track. Lead back Kenneth Walker III had his worst season as a pro, appearing in just 11 games and rushing for a career-low 573 yards on 3.7 yards per carry.

Walker is just 24 years old, but some have suggested the team should consider trading the former second-round pick. Pro Football Network identified one veteran player that each team could look to trade, and Walker made the list.

"The Seattle Seahawks have a strong one-two punch in the backfield. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet are both starting-caliber backs on rookie deals, which sets up a decision next offseason," wrote PFN's Sterling Xie. "Walker was drafted one year earlier and is up for a new contract first, with 2025 set to be the last season of his contract."

As for potential landing spots, PFN listed the Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys. "The Raiders with Pete Carroll are the most obvious fit, with the teams already linking up on the Geno Smith trade earlier this offseason," Xie concluded.

Sending Carroll his former star running back would be a tough blow for a Seahawks fan base that just said goodbye to DK Metcalf, Geno Smith and Tyler Lockett in less than a month.

Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs past Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Kobe King (41) during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 31, 2024. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On the flip side, this year's draft class has some potential stars at the running back position. If someone like Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is available when Seattle is on the clock at pick No. 18, it could be tempting.

However, even Jeanty would likely struggle to find room behind the Seahawks' current offensive line. After the draft, we will have a much better idea of which players could be worth exploring trades for.

Walker has rushed for 2,528 yards and 24 touchdowns since entering the league as a second-round pick out of Michigan State in 2022.

More Seahawks on SI stories

ESPN critic names ‘non-negotiable’ approach for Seahawks in Round 1

2025 NFL draft: Seahawks named best fit for intriguing top-5 QB prospect

Michigan TE Colston Loveland linked to Seahawks as best landing spot

Seahawks-Broncos trade proposal sends Ken Walker away for 5th-rounder