Seahawks GM: ‘We’re working on’ adding a fullback

For most of the 1990s and 2000s, the Seattle Seahawks had one of the league’s best fullbacks in Mack Strong. The two-time Pro Bowler was a powerful force in Seattle’s backfield, paving lanes for the likes of star running backs Chris Warren, Ricky Watters and Shaun Alexander.

Jeremiah: Potential Seahawks OL targets in ‘sweet spot’ of draft

Of course, that was a different era. As more pass-oriented offenses took root, the fullback became a dying breed. The last time the Seahawks consistently used a fullback was in 2015 with Will Tukuafu.

But that’s expected to change this fall.

Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak stated in February that he intends to use a fullback in his offense. It’s something he also did during his previous two OC stints with the New Orleans Saints in 2024 and the Minnesota Vikings in 2021.

How has the fullback search been going? Seahawks general manager John Schneider addressed the topic Thursday during his weekly conversation with Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob.

“That’s actually a position we’re working on right now in free agency, as well as the draft,” Schneider said. “… It’s gonna be new for us, but we’re excited about trying to figure it out.”

In recent years, fullbacks have made a minor resurgence across the NFL. With defenses employing smaller linebackers and lighter boxes in an attempt to slow down complex passing attacks, teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens have countered with strong rushing attacks that regularly mix in a fullback.

Schneider thinks the NFL’s limits on practice time can make it challenging for defenses to prepare for two-back formations.

“I think (the fullback) is making a comeback,” Schneider said. “We don’t get enough (practice) time in college football or pro football, so the fundamentals aren’t great. So when you’re talking about preparing for a two-back offense, your run fits, that’s a lot now. Everybody’s really just preparing for (one running back).

“So when Klint came in, I know (head coach) Mike (Macdonald) was real fired up about (having) a fullback in our offense.”

Due to the 46-player gameday roster limit, Schneider noted that a fullback needs to have the versatility to play special teams.

“That guy has to be a special teams player,” Schneider said. “You can’t have a fullback that can’t move and (can’t) play on (special) teams.”

Listen to the full conversation with Seahawks general manager John Schneider at this link or in the audio player near the middle of this story. The John Schneider Show airs on Thursdays at 4 p.m. leading up to the NFL Draft.

Seattle Seahawks news and analysis

• Seahawks GM confirms team’s stance on controversial ‘tush push’ play
• Salk: What Seattle Seahawks should be drafting for this year
• Brock’s Seattle Seahawks Draft Profile: The fullback Seattle needs?
• Bump: The biggest change we’ll see in Seattle Seahawks’ offense
• Three tight end draft targets for Seattle Seahawks after first round

Related

Roster Moves: Seahawks sign former Eagles CB, waive TENFL insider gives positive update on Nick Emmanwori’s statusESPN starts layoffs tied to NFL Network acquisition, memo saysWhat happens now with Seahawks’ Emmanwori a surprise on PUP listWatch first trailer for Seahawks’ season of HBO’s Hard KnocksBump’s hope about Nick Emmanwori going on Seahawks PUP list