5 Seahawks that need to step up their game heading into a contract year

Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny

The way Rashaad Penny played in the last five games of 2021 molded how the Seahawks approached this offseason. Had Penny not been utterly terrific and Seattle had zero run game, they may have stuck with Russell Wilson another year and kept throwing the ball just as much.

But Seattle hasn’t been as successful overall by having an offense that passes a lot. Wilson has his limitations and they tend to show up in the second halves of seasons. The Broncos will learn this as well. It wouldn’t be surprising in Denver starts off red hot – 7-1 or so – but then is one and done in the postseason. Wilson is great but unlike Aaron Rodgers, he really needs a run game to support him.

Penny led the NFL in yards per rush last year at 6.3. He is capable of being one of the best running backs in the NFL. During most of the five final games last year, he got better as the game wore on. Wilson was good, too, but Penny was the finisher. He had breakaway speed and stayed healthy.

Seattle re-signed Penny to a one-year contract this offseason. It is worth $6 million. The team is taking a chance that Penny has figured out how to play injured finally and will continue to be what he was at the end of last year. If Penny can be that, his next contract will be massive. If he can’t be and stays hurt again, he might be out of the NFL.