ESPN’s Yates: Don’t overlook Seahawks’ internal replacement options

After losing several key contributors from their 2025 Super Bowl-winning team in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks have a few areas of their roster they no doubt will look to replenish this offseason.

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The most notable of those areas is running back, as Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III departed for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency and Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL.

The Seahawks began to address their backfield needs by taking a free-agent flier on former Green Bay Packers backup running back Emmanuel Wilson. Many also expect them to target a running back in next month’s NFL Draft.

But Seattle also has some internal options who could be poised for bigger roles. That includes former undrafted running back George Holani, who served as Walker’s backup in the postseason after Charbonnet went down.

Holani, who signed his exclusive rights free agent tender with the Seahawks this past week, played well in his limited action. In the NFC title game, he hauled in three catches for 27 yards. And in the Super Bowl, he keyed a field-goal drive with a 7-yard run and a 5-yard reception on back-to-back plays.

Holani’s performance down the stretch drew some unprompted praise from general manager John Schneider during his March 12 conversation with Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob.

“The one thing that got overlooked in those last two games – and I was talking to (head coach) Mike Macdonald about this – George was awesome in the NFC Championship game and he was awesome in the Super Bowl,” Schneider said. “His pass protection, (and) he made that catch (in the NFC Championship) for the first down that was a real huge play for us. Every time he goes in the game, he just performs.”

This past week, ESPN NFL insider Field Yates then referenced those comments from Schneider during an appearance on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk. Yates said it’s a reminder that not every replacement has to come from free agency or the draft.

Sometimes, there could be in-house options waiting in the wings.

“When I hear (Schneider) talk about George, I hear more excitement that I’ve ever thought about with George and how he might fit into the Seahawks’ backfield going forward,” Yates said. “I’m not saying that he’s going to be their starting running back.

“But I’ll be the first to admit, in my role, sometimes you overlook some of the internal options that might play a bigger role than you realize.”

Listen to the full conversation with ESPN’s Field Yates at this link or in the audio player above. Tune into Brock and Salk weekdays from 6-10 a.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• How Seahawks are poised for stockpile of picks in strong 2027 NFL Draft
• Report: Rams drop rule change proposals aimed at Seahawks’ 2-point play
• Yates: 2 edge rushers Seattle Seahawks could target in draft
• Brock: The 3 objectives Seattle Seahawks are living by this offseason
• NFL Draft: A first-round running back option for Seattle Seahawks

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