Seattle Seahawks Considering Major Running Back Change After Rams Loss
Seattle Seahawks fans have had little to object to so far this season. The team has been largely dominant on both sides of the ball, leading to a 7-3 record and the second-best scoring margin in the NFL. However, there has been one unanimous complaint from Seahawks fans throughout the entire season: Why doesn’t Kenneth Walker III get more touches?
The 25-year-old running back has demonstrated an explosive, big-play ability since his 2022 rookie season, which is why his limited snap count has long drawn ire from Seahawks fans (and fantasy owners).
After Sunday’s 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the long-awaited unleashing of K9 may finally be coming. Head coach Mike Macdonald gave an ominous and encouraging quote in a press conference earlier today.
According to The Athletic’s Michael Shawn-Dugar, “Mike Macdonald says you could feel Ken Walker III’s impact on the ground and in the passing game Sunday and that ‘Ken is showing that he deserves some more opportunities.'”
Kenneth Walker III’s Possible Breakout
As per usual, Walker III was Seattle’s most impressive running back in Sunday’s game. The Michigan State product accounted for more than one-fourth of the Seahawks’ total yardage. He had 16 carries for 67 yards and one touchdown, and he added three receptions for 44 yards.
Walker III had his highest snap count (43) of the season yesterday, but it was still close to a 50/50 split with fellow running back Zach Charbonnet, who tallied 36 snaps. In contrast, Charbonnet rushed for 37 yards on 11 carries. While Charbonnet is frequently given goal-line work, which naturally limits yardage production, he’s averaging a woeful 3.4 yards per carry–a full yard less than Walker III’s 4.5 ypc.
Despite copious data illustrating Walker III’s superior efficiency, there was little incentive for Macdonald to make major changes to the backfield rotation while the team was not only winning but blowing out opponents. But the loss to the Rams could spark a shake-up.
This might also be a fortuitous time to experiment, as the Seahawks play the 1-9 Titans in Week 12. Tennessee’s defense is stronger than its offense, but they’re still allowing 134.7 rushing yards per game, which is the eighth-most in the league. Even if Walker III doesn’t secure 80% of the snaps, à la high-profile backs like Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, etc., an uptick from 50% could yield dividends.
“I just want to help the team in any kind of way I can,” Walker III told reporters after Sunday’s game. “If that’s in the air, on the ground. I feel like I was able to do that today.”
Fantasy Football Implications
Walker III has long frustrated fantasy football owners, not due to his talent but the limited opportunities. He’s averaging the 24th most points per game in fantasy football this season, which is solid for a running back stuck in a committee but not outstanding.
His fantasy impact has been especially limited by Charbonnet vulturing goal-line touchdowns. Walker III has four rushing touchdowns and zero receiving touchdowns this year. After finding the end zone this past week against the Rams, he said, “I haven’t scored since the Saints game, so it felt good to be able to get in the end zone and put some points on the board.”
If Macdonald’s words hold true and Walker III does see more opportunities as the season progresses, it’s fair to assume many of them would be near the goal line, cutting into Charbonnet’s share. He could vault into a high-end RB2, if not an RB1, in Seattle’s high-scoring offense.
Bears Make an Offer for Maxx Crosby That the Raiders Cannot Refuse – Chicago Is Determined to Bring the Raiders’ Defensive Icon to Soldier Field, No Matter the Cost
The Chicago Bears are making a bold push to solidify their defense, and it’s clear that they are not holding back. With their defensive line struggling to make an impact this season and with hopes of returning to the playoffs, the Bears have made a stunning offer to acquire star pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders — a move many analysts are calling “impossible to ignore.”
According to sources close to the situation, Chicago has put together a package that includes two first-round picks (2026 and 2027), a third-round pick in 2026, and two promising young defensive players, defensive tackle Eric Johnson and linebacker Zaire Franklin. In return, Chicago hopes to add Crosby, who has been a one-man wrecking crew on a Raiders defense that has otherwise struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Maxx Crosby’s Continued Dominance
Despite the Raiders’ disappointing 2–5 record, Crosby has been a standout performer, with 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in just 7 games. As the heart and soul of Las Vegas’ defense, he’s consistently been the only reliable force in an otherwise chaotic unit. However, with the Raiders entering a rebuild, the possibility of parting with their defensive leader has become a real option, especially given the tempting offer from Chicago.
The Bears’ Defensive Needs
Chicago has been searching for a dominant pass rusher since the departure of longtime defensive leader Khalil Mack. Through 8 games this season, Chicago has only recorded 10 sacks — ranking near the bottom of the league. Their defensive pressure rate is a mere 22%, and head coach Matt Eberflus knows that if the Bears are to compete for a playoff spot and beyond, they need an elite defender like Crosby to make an impact immediately.
Crosby’s arrival would instantly transform Chicago’s defensive line, giving them a true game-changer who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. His relentless play style would be a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ aggressive approach, and Crosby would immediately become a cornerstone of the unit.
Teammate Reactions
Bears star linebacker Roquan Smith expressed his excitement about the potential acquisition:
“If Maxx Crosby joins us, we’ll be a nightmare for any offense,” Smith said after practice. “The guy is relentless. He doesn’t stop, and that’s exactly the kind of energy we need. We’ve seen what he can do on the field, and having him on our side would make us that much stronger.”
Chicago’s Playoff Push
The Bears are clearly committed to making a push for the playoffs, and this aggressive move for Crosby shows that they are willing to do whatever it takes to get there. With the team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, adding Crosby could be the missing piece they need to create a dominant defense and make a serious run at the postseason.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Raiders to see if they’ll accept Chicago’s tempting offer. If the deal goes through, Maxx Crosby will be the centerpiece of a revamped Bears defense that will give opposing offenses nightmares for years to come. Chicago is ready to make a championship push — and Crosby may be the final piece to make it happen.
