Seahawks' running back situation could be one George Holani solve away

In the decision to re-sign former New Orleans Saints wide receiver and mid-season trade acquisition Rashid Shaheed, the Seattle Seahawks had to let Kenneth Walker III leave in free agency. It was a price the Seahawks paid to keep the electric kick returner, and it was the right decision. 

Of course, the aftermath of that decision made by Seahawks general manager John Schneider left the team's running back situation unfilled and so far, unresolved. Zach Charbonnet, who was the Seahawks No. 2 rusher behind Walker, will not begin the new season on the field as he'll still be recovering from a torn ACL. 

As it stands, the Seahawks don't have a sure-fire No. 1 option and replacement for Walker behind Sam Darnold, or do they? With Charbonnet on ice for now, a prime opportunity may await undrafted George Holani, who will enter his third season in Seattle. Perhaps Holani is the answer for the Seahawks, at least for next season. 

George Holani provides the Seattle Seahawks with a viable No. 1 option to start next season

Holani signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in the summer of 2024 and has since taken his place behind Walker and Charbonnet. Now, the best thing that could happen for Holani's football career is an offseason and training camp to show the Seahawks if he's capable of moving up into the starter's role. 

If there is one cause for concern for the Seahawks to hand over the rushing keys to Holani, it may be that in two seasons, he's carried the ball just 25 times for 83 yards, scoring his one and only touchdown this past season.

For running back down the depth chart, those types of numbers are expected. For a running back who has an open door to secure the No. 1 spot, those numbers might scare away the person responsible for giving him a shot. 

That said, it was clear during the playoffs that the Seahawks trusted Holani enough to be on the field for 47 plays. In high-pressure situations, like playoff games, Holani was on the field more than he was during the regular season. Perhaps Holani is someone to be slept on when it comes to who will start for the Seahawks, after all. 

The Seahawks have been linked to a few running backs across the league lately, Da'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, both of whom played together with the Miami Dolphins. The Seahawks did sign Green Bay Packers free agent Emanuel Wilson for running back depth, but that move didn't appear to be a confident signing for the No. 1 rusher spot. 

In any case, the Seahawks still have not completely addressed their need at running back, which makes Holani's case an interesting one to watch over the offseason.

He knows the Seahawks offense, system, and playcalling. He's already taken handoffs from Darnold. If the Seahawks decide not to sign an available free agent, Holani's perfect opportunity to earn the job until Charbonnet returns awaits him.