The Seattle Seahawks have not yet looked like the same team that won Super Bowl LXI early on in the 2026 NFL season.
And much of the sentiment around why this may be the case is the departure of Super Bowl LXI MVP Kenneth Walker this offseason.
Despite the obvious impact that Walker played for the Seahawks on their path to winning the Super Bowl last season, the organization opted to let him walk in free agency, where he would ultimately sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Things could not have turned out more different for both sides early on in 2026. Walker has emerged as an elite running back with the Chiefs, leading all players at his position in average yards per carry and ranking just behind Bijan Robinson in total rushing yards through the first five weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks have appeared to desperately miss Walker's presence. Rookie running back Jadarian Price has missed the team's last three games due to injury. And overall, the Seahawks rushing attack has looked incredibly underwhelming, with current starting running back Emanuel Wilson averaging just 3.5 yards per carry this year.
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At this point, the Seahawks certainly may be regretting their decision to let Walker leave in free agency. And while the organization obviously can't undo that mistake, they can bring in another explosive running back that may very well be available in the trade market.
Discussing the Seahawks issues on offense following their Week 6 loss to the Broncos, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk floated the possibility of Seattle potentially inquiring about Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley, who himself isn't in the best situation currently.
"It crossed my mind while we were having these conversations," said Florio. "Saquon Barkley could be available between now and the Tuesday after Week 9. If you really want to get nuts. If you really want to get desperate. If you really want to make a commitment to the running game, you make a play for Saquon Barkley."
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This potential move for the Seahawks may not be quite as crazy as some may see it to be at first glance. The Eagles have already made smaller moves to gain future assets, trading two-time Pro Bowler Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
Now, questions surround the organization even further after it was reported this week that he has a superficial blood clot in his calf. Should Hurts be forced to miss a significant amount of time, it could make more sense to part ways with players like Barkley that hold plenty of value in the trade market.
The next few weeks could be quite telling for how the Seahawks proceed. Reports indicate that both Zach Charbonnet and Price are close to returning from their respective injuries.
The Seahawks haven't yet gotten a chance to see how the duo of Charbonnet and Price compliment one another. So it is very possible that they ultimately determine that moving high-value assets for someone like Barkley is not a necessary move.
That being said, if the Seahawks run game does continue to struggle in the weeks leading up to the NFL trade deadline, don't be shocked to see the reigning Super Bowl champions make some sort of move at the position, whether it be Barkley or another impact player.