Stacy: Where is this year’s breakout Seahawks player?

We spent months this offseason wondering who the next Seattle Seahawks breakout star would be.

Really. Here’s one guess. And another preview. And another.

Julian Love says Seahawks’ defense had right response after loss

Nick Emmanwori and Grey Zabel made an impact as rookies in 2025 – the former earning a nomination for Defensive Player of the Year – while veteran Jaxon Smith-Njigba elevated himself from a talented fan favorite to a household name with one of the most productive seasons from a wide receiver in NFL history.

This season felt primed for more growth and a few surprises elsewhere, and there were plenty of candidates.

Could Tory Horton build on a promising season cut short by injury? Could AJ Barner add his name to the list of elite tight ends? What would a full offseason with Seattle mean for Rashid Shaheed? Fullback Robbie Ouzts became a favorite candidate for many of our listeners given the focus on the run game and success of Kyle Juszczyk with the San Francisco 49ers. Rookie safety Bud Clark felt like another great pick as a ballhawk from TCU with a big personality to match, while second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo had a chance to become another weapon for Sam Darnold.

I’m telling you, we spent months on this topic. For good reason! Despite questions about a first-time play-caller and worrisome running back depth, there was plenty of young, intriguing talent on a Super Bowl-winning roster returning most of its players.

Now, just over halfway through the season… can you say anyone has had a breakout?

In the Seahawks’ defense, some of this is out of their control. Clark, Ouzts and Arroyo suffered season-ending injuries (Clark and Ouzts before the season was even underway). Also a big factor is regression for a banged-up Sam Darnold, who has nine interceptions on the season. Oh, and that whole question about a first-time play-caller and loss of Ken Walker? Turns out it’s a pretty big deal, too.

Still, fans were hoping for more, and I’m sure this team was, too. One of my candidates for this list back in July was AJ Barner, who just had his first receiving touchdown of the season in Week 9.

The most impactful Seahawk on offense is existing star JSN, who’s already surpassed 1,000 yards on the season. That he’s on pace to eclipse 2,000 receiving yards is phenomenal; that Seattle hasn’t had contributions elsewhere is not.

That’s the bad news. The good news is there’s still eight games left to play and opportunities for several of these Seahawks to start taking off (better late than never, right?). One of the newest has an opportunity to do that this Sunday.

Is this Price’s time?

Rookie running back Jadarian Price will be facing the worst rushing defense in football.

The Las Vegas Raiders have surrendered at least 160 rushing yards in five of their last six games, and they have allowed 190 or more in two of their last three. They’ve given up 150 more yards on the ground than the next-closest defense (Cleveland Browns). They gave up 90-plus yards to both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in a loss to the Rams. Only twice this season has an opposing running back finished with fewer than 60 yards, and both of those games were before Week 4.

Price made a greater impact as a pass catcher in Week 9, but he had flashes of explosiveness and was praised for his decisiveness.

Broke his ankles 😮‍💨 @Jadarian15 pic.twitter.com/JqR3D3ZXBa

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 8, 2026

The rookie will be sharing those touches with veteran Zach Charbonnet, who had an impressive 25-yard gain called back last week. But if we’re still hoping for a breakout, I think there’s a pretty good chance for one in Week 10.

Seattle Seahawks news and more

• Seattle Seahawks sign rookie DT to practice squad
• Charbonnet gives Seahawks’ offense something ‘different’
• Status Report: Seattle Seahawks at 5-4 after win over Cards

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