Raheem Mostert Could Be the Seahawks' Speed Back Fallback If the Draft Doesn't Work Out

The Seahawks need a running back. Everyone knows it. But here's the thing: with only four draft picks to work with, there's no guarantee Mike Macdonald and John Schneider can actually land one in the 2026 NFL Draft. Which is why one analyst is telling Seattle to have a backup plan, and his name is Raheem Mostert.

SI on Seahawks' Brendon Nelson made the case this week that the Seahawks should seriously consider the veteran speed back as a free agency option. "The Seahawks still need some help at running back, and there's no guarantee they'll be able to find it in the draft, so there should be some kind of backup plan," Nelson wrote. "And with the setup the team currently has, they need some speed. There isn't exactly much left, but Raheem Mostert has been a successful speed back in this league for some time."

Why Mostert Actually Makes Sense

Look at Mostert's resume. Over 11 NFL seasons and 115 games, he's averaged 5 yards per carry. In 2023 with Miami, he led the entire NFL with 18 touchdowns while racking up 1,012 rushing yards and making the Pro Bowl. Last season with Las Vegas he averaged 4.7 yards per carry, though opportunities were limited.

What Nelson likes about Mostert for Seattle: he's a true speed threat, which is exactly what the Seahawks backfield needs after losing Kenneth Walker. The veteran has only had one season with more than 200 carries in his entire career, meaning he's fresher than his age suggests. He's also proven he can thrive in a shared backfield situation. In three of the last seven seasons, Mostert hit 770-plus rushing yards. He can be that complementary piece, and he knows his role.

The Seahawks already added Emanuel Wilson from Green Bay and have six other running backs on the offseason roster, including Zach Charbonnet. Macdonald and Schneider have said they're confident in the group. But if you want to really solidify the backfield with that speed element? Mostert's out there.

The Catch? He's Getting Old

Nelson himself admitted his own proposal isn't perfect. "The problem is, he's about to turn 34 years old and his big 2023 season is getting further and further in the rearview mirror," he said. A rookie would obviously be better, fresher, and provide long-term security. You could look at Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt, but they don't really fit what Seattle needs after Walker left.

Bottom line: the Seahawks need to nail this in the draft. That's the priority. But if the draft doesn't cooperate and they can't find value in the backfield? Keep Mostert in your back pocket. At 34, he won't be the long-term answer, but he brings the speed, he knows how to rotate with other backs, and he's actually available. Sometimes good enough in April beats perfect never showing up.

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