The Seahawks' Backfield Problem: Why D'Andre Swift Makes Perfect Sense Right Now

Kenneth Walker III is gone. He's in Kansas City now, wearing red, and that leaves the Seahawks with a massive hole in their backfield heading into the season. Zach Charbonnet is dealing with a season-ending injury, and beyond him, the depth chart is basically bare. So what do the Seahawks do? One analyst thinks the answer is on the trade market, and it's a name that should make sense to anyone who watched this team win the Super Bowl.

The Swift Solution

Jeremy Brener from SI.com is pushing hard for the Seahawks to go after Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift. Here's why: Swift has put up more than 6,800 yards from scrimmage since entering the NFL in 2020. That's a dual-threat weapon who can line up in the slot, catch it out of the backfield, or take a handoff and get downhill. He's exactly the kind of versatile, physical back that fits what this offense needs.

"Following the loss of Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, Seattle's backfield is in a state of flux," Brener wrote. "While the draft offers potential, a trade for Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift presents a win-now opportunity for the defending Super Bowl champions."

The Cap Space Math Works

Here's the real appeal: you don't need to burn a high draft pick. The Seahawks have only four total draft picks this year, so resources are tight. Brener suggests Seattle could move down from the No. 32 spot and use a mid-round pick to land Swift instead. That gives Charbonnet breathing room to actually recover properly "without rushing him back," which keeps the roster healthy for the stretch run.

Behind Charbonnet right now, you've got Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, and Kenny McIntosh. That's not exactly inspiring. Swift changes that equation instantly.

The Championship Window Demands It

"The Seahawks have a wide open Super Bowl window," Brener wrote. "Relying on a rookie or a committee of unproven backups to replace Walker's production is a risk. By acquiring Swift, Seattle gets a dynamic, dual-threat weapon who fits the offensive identity and is available at a discounted price due to Chicago's roster transition."

You just won it all. You're not supposed to be in rebuilding mode. A trade for Swift keeps the window open and gives Sam Darnold a weapon on the backend to work with alongside your receivers. The question now is whether the front office pulls the trigger.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.