Report: Seahawks hosting former first round running back on free agent visit

Rashaad Penny flashed for Seattle during a five-game stretch at the end of 2021, but between an injury-shortened 2022 and being buried on the bench in Philadephia in 2023, hasn’t been able to follow up on that record setting stretch.

The Seattle Seahawks have Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet, second round picks in each of the last two drafts, at running back, along with 2023 seventh round selection Kenny McIntosh. However, between the departure of DeeJay Dallas to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency and the retirement of Bryant Koback, the team is somewhat light at the running back position heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.

And that could easily explain the interest of the Seahawks in a former first round pick who has failed to live up to hopes and expectations in both Seattle and with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Since being selected with the 27th pick in the 2018 draft, Rashaad Penny has started 11 games, rushing for 1,951 yards and 13 touchdowns in six seasons for the Seahawks and Eagles. In spite of significant optimism for his on-field performance following his signing with Philadelphia last offseason, he tied a career low in rushing attempts and set a new career low in rushing yards while being stuck behind D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.

How much a team could expect Penny to contribute likely comes down to his recovery from the deltoid ligament tear he suffered against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5 of the 2022 season. It’s an injury that has ended the careers of many skill position players, and a second offseason of recovery could prove beneficial as Penny continues to work his way back to the form he showed in late 2021 and early 2022.