The Seattle Seahawks haven't made any nationally noteworthy moves in free agency, at least as far as acquiring players from other teams. Still, running back Emanuel Wilson might be one of the great under-the-radar acquisitions. But who knew that Wilson was a Seahawks fan growing up until he said so after signing?
He confessed as much on social media, writing, "Really about to sign with my childhood team."
John Boyle of the team's official website wrote that Wilson's favorite players growing up were elite Seattle running backs Marshawn Lynch and Shaun Alexander, and Wilson's running style matches those players a bit. He is a downhill runner, more Zach Charbonnet than Kenneth Walker.
New Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson happy to be playing for his favorite team
That should be a very good fit in new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's offense, which will resemble former OC Klint Kubiak's in the sense that it mixes the run heavily with the pass. Seattle will need backs who can grind out yards and move the chains, and Wilson can hopefully do that.
The RB went undrafted out of college in 2023, originally signing with the Denver Broncos, but he was quickly released and almost just as quickly signed by the Green Bay Packers. He didn't get much of a chance to play as a rookie, but his production over the last two years has mirrored each other.
In 2024, he ran 103 times for 502 yards, a good average of 4.9 yards per carry. This is especially true for a back that is 5'10" and 225 pounds. His explosiveness was somewhat surprising, if inconsistent.
Really about to sign with my childhood team 🔵🟢
— Gods Child✝️🧎🏿 (@1kEmanuelWilson) March 13, 2026
In 2025, he averaged just 4.0 yards per rush, but had more carries (125) and almost as many yards as the previous season (496). He is also a solid receiver, catching 30 passes in his career (an 83.3 percent catch rate) and just one drop.
What one cannot be sure of is how much Emanuel Wilson can help the Seattle Seahawks in 2026, but the hope is that he can do a great deal. Former starter Kenneth Walker III signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, and backup Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in the playoffs and might not be ready for the start of the season.
Wilson might have to go from three-year backup to full-time starter. Can he show the league he should have been drafted and should have been a starter with what he does for Seattle next season? 12s hope, and the team might need Wilson to prove his value beginning in Week 1.