Who is the top free agent running back target for the Seattle Seahawks?
The Seattle Seahawks have missed the days of handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch and witnessing him carry defenders on his back. Lynch wasn’t Derrick Henry before Derrick Henry, he was the only RB that has ever unleashed a “beast quake”.
The Seahawks have had a quality rushing attack in moments after Lynch departed, but they haven’t had a consistent, lethal rushing game and running back. The Seahawks were on fire with their run game post-Lynch, as they were first in 2018 and fourth in 2019 in rushing yards per game. Although, they were then 12th in 2020 and 11th in 2021 in rushing yards per game. The outlook could be dimmer for the Seahawks rushing attack, as their veteran RB Chris Carson is coming off neck surgery and likely testing free agency. The aging Russell Wilson also can’t continue to handle a heavy workload in the rushing game. I expect the Seahawks to really target a quality RB to pair with Rashaad Penny given how important their rushing game is in the frigid NFC West.
Here are a few RBs that the Hawks could target in the 2022 free agency period.
J.D. McKissic
The Hawks could get a nice value pickup in J.D. McKissic. He can be a force in the run and pass game for Wilson. He may be looking to improve from his late-career production with the Commanders and join a stud offense like the Seahawks. He ousted 954 total yards in 2020 and 609 total yards in 2021. Washington has Antonio Gibson, Curtis Samuel, Terry McLaurin, so it could be a challenge to please the ascending McKissic.
Brandon Bolden
Brandon Bolden can be a nice RB2 that can break down defenses in the second half of games. He is 32 years old, but he still has gas and power left on his legs. Bolden will likely not return to the Pats in free agency, but he should transition to another quality culture and scheme fit. He is the great value version of Lynch, too. He also is a monster in the pass blocking area.
Phillip Lindsay
Phillip Lindsay could look to join a high-power offense on a prove-it deal and the fit between Seattle and Lindsay would make a ton of sense. It’s worth mentioning that Lindsay is the most underrated RB in free agency. He ousted a 1,000 yard rushing season in 2018 and 2019. He was in Houston, also known as Alcatraz, for 10 games in 2021, so he struggled a bit. He could still attract more money from elsewhere or return to his old home in Denver.
