Despite losing Kenneth Walker in free agency this offseason, the Seattle Seahawks have found their potential starter in Jadarian Price with the No. 32 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. While Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has shown optimism in Zach Charbonnet and his recovery, the team still decided to select Price, which gives the run game a boost. It’s really no surprise in this selection as Charbonnet is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury he suffered that prevented him from playing in the Super Bowl. Now, the Seahawks have some help, and even though Price has been playing “second-fiddle” to Jeremiyah Love, he could surpass Charbonnet as the starter if that’s what the team plans.
Seahawks NFL Day 1 Selection of Jadarian Price Could Mean Future Trade of Injured Former Second-Rounder Zach Charbonnet
The selection of Price could probably mean the Seahawks might be open to having competition at the running back position. If Price impresses in early workouts, there’s a decent chance he could start over Charbonnet before he’s 100%. It won’t mean that he’s the immediate future of this run game, but Price would have the upper hand. After all, Charbonnet is entering the final year of his contract, and the worst-case scenario is that the Seahawks trade him.
Seattle would’ve kept Walker over Charbonnet if the team had the choice, but salary cap concerns became an issue. They prioritized giving WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed new contracts over Walker this offseason. For Charbonnet, the future is still bright. He should be able to find a new home, at least if Price explodes, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s dealt before the trade deadline this upcoming season.
Possible Landing Spots
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens had the chance to upgrade their edge rush with Rueben Bain Jr., but they decided to draft offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane. This is good news for RB Derrick Henry, which makes life easier for him to remain in his prime. However, even though Henry hasn’t shown signs that he’s slowing down, the Ravens should select an RB at some point. If they don’t like what they see, they could trade for Charbonnet to supplement Henry.
Charbonnet isn’t going to start unless Henry retires next season, but it gives Henry breathing room. The team lost Keaton Mitchell to the Los Angeles Chargers, so Charbonnet would be a decent replacement.
Dallas Cowboys
While the Cowboys have solidified their running back room, re-signing Javonte Williams, there’s still room for growth. Dallas has been prioritizing the defensive air attack and edge rush, selecting Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Cowboys select an RB at least in the sixth round of this year’s draft. Former 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue has shown signs he could be a reliable starter, but he isn’t ready just yet.
If Dallas wants to elevate the offense, especially with how the right pieces are coming together, they could trade for Charbonnet to provide a 1-2 punch for Williams.
Denver Broncos
After trading for WR Jaylen Waddle, the Denver Broncos didn’t have a draft pick last night. Despite re-signing JK Dobbins to a new deal, the Broncos should look to aggressively upgrade the running back room for this offense. RJ Harvey is too talented to be behind Dobbins, and while Charbonnet is another battered running back, he has a bigger upside because of age.
