A potential reunion between a former first-round running back and Seattle could come to fruition before or after the upcoming draft in a week. Rashaad Penny visited with the team that drafted him, as he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last year in free agency.
As a current free agent, the veteran running back got no playing time last year, so there could be some tread on the tires for the 28-year-old. The Seahawks could use a veteran rusher and if he signs, would slide right in as the third back on the depth chart.
Seattle: Rashaad Penny Visits with Seahawks
Browns reported visit with Titans UFA TE Trevon Wesco. Seahawks reported visit with Eagles UFA RB Rashaad Penny.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) April 17, 2024
According to Howard Balzer, Cardinals and NFL Reporter for CardsWire, Rashaad Penny visited Seattle on Wednesday, April 17th.
Penny could be a cheap option for the Seahawks to add behind their current starting second-rounders Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. He would instantly be able to compete with former seventh-round rookie Kenny McIntosh as the third running back on the roster.
Penny was the 27th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by Seattle, as the San Diego State rusher has dealt with multiple injuries in his career.
Even after five seasons as a Seahawk, he was only able to play in 42 games total, and in most of those games, Penny wasn’t the starter. As a role part-time player, the former first-rounder could provide splash runs only if he stays healthy and is on the field.
His best season for the Seahawks was in 2021, where he played ten games and had 749 yards on the ground, with six touchdowns. That was his best season by far for Seattle and had the most amount of carries that year with 119.
Seattle: Could Use Veteran Rusher for Depth
Last year’s third veteran running back for the Seahawks, DeeJay Dallas, signed with the rival Arizona Cardinals this offseason and was a fourth-rounder. With that role vacant, either McIntosh steps in or a veteran free agent steps in.
It does depend on how much Ryan Grubb, their new offensive coordinator, switches up the offensive scheme compared to their former head coach and legend, Pete Carroll.
Running back isn’t a huge need, but it could be a minor need that is addressed in free agency or the draft, especially if the Seahawks finally pass on drafting a running back. Penny could be someone they decide to bring back with familiarity in the building and reuniting with former teammates.
Seattle: Reunion Possible with Free Agent RB
Last March, Penny signed a one-year contract with the Eagles. In 2023, however, the former Seahawk wasn’t used in Philadelphia due to their running back depth and was mostly a special teamer.
The current free-agent rusher was their third back but was used more sparingly than the New York Giants killer himself, Boston Scott, according to Statmuse. Scott is also a free agent, as Philadelphia has Kenneth Gainwell, who spelled Swift last year, behind Barkley.
Last season D’Andre Swift was their starter but this offseason was replaced with Saquon Barkley, the former Giants star and top-five pick. Swift signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency as the first official move this offseason.
If Penny does sign with Seattle, hopefully, the talented back can stay healthy in his second stint in a rotation.
For More Great Sports Content
Follow Andrew on Twitter at @kookykim1357, and follow us at @TotalApexSports for the updated news in ALL sports. For more of our NFL Fantasy articles and to keep up to date on the latest in ALL sports, click here!
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
