Seahawks Seek Saquon Barkley to Fix Ground Game Ahead of Trade Deadline
Seattle's rushing attack ranks near the bottom of the NFL, while Philadelphia may accept future draft capital in exchange for its aging star running back.
By Marco Whitaker ·
The Seattle Seahawks are exploring a trade for Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley before the league's deadline. The move would directly address a major weakness in Seattle's offense, which has struggled to gain yards on the ground since the departure of their previous star back.
Seattle released Kenneth Walker III to free agency after the 2025 season. Walker went on to win the Super Bowl MVP award with the Kansas City Chiefs. Since his exit, the Seahawks have relied on an inconsistent group. Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL, while rookie Jadarian Price sits on injured list with a chest injury. As a result, the team ranks second-worst in the league in EPA per rush.
Quarterback Sam Darnold has faced pressure under these conditions. He has thrown seven interceptions through the first six weeks, a figure tied for second-most in the NFL. Analysts suggest that a proven ground threat would allow Darnold to manage the clock and reduce the number of risky throws required to move the ball.
The proposed deal would see Seattle send wide receiver Emanuel Wilson, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Philadelphia. This structure offers the Eagles immediate youth and future flexibility. Philadelphia has signaled it may be entering a rebuilding phase, with questions already raised about the future of head coach Nick Sirianni. The team currently holds a difficult schedule in the NFC East, making a deep playoff run unlikely regardless of Barkley's status.
Skeptics point to Barkley's age and injury history. At 29, he is considered older for a running back position. He has already missed two games this season due to injury. Seattle, however, argues that the cost of future draft capital is a fair price for a reliable starter. The team recently acquired offensive lineman Quenton Nelson, giving the offensive line the stability needed to support a power runner.
The numbers underscore the gap between the two teams. Through six weeks, Seattle averaged 107.2 rushing yards per game for a total of 643 yards. Walker, playing one fewer game for Kansas City, has already rushed for 665 yards. The Seahawks believe that filling the void left by Walker is the most direct path to stabilizing their offense for the remainder of the season.
The trade window remains open, and Seattle is positioned to act. The decision hinges on whether the front office values immediate production over retaining their future selection rights. With the roster in flux and the offense underperforming, the pressure on Seattle to make a move is mounting.
