Seahawks GM Praises New RB Emanuel Wilson's Unique Skill Set

Wilson brings a different dimension to Seattle's backfield, according to GM John Schneider.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:19am

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The Seattle Seahawks have signed former Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson to a one-year deal. Seahawks GM John Schneider praised Wilson's skill set, saying the 26-year-old brings something a little different to Seattle's backfield. Wilson spent the past three seasons as the primary backup to Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs in Green Bay, rushing for 998 yards and 7 touchdowns over the last two years.

Why it matters

The Seahawks lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, so adding Wilson provides depth and a different style of running back to complement the returning Zach Charbonnet and others in the Seattle backfield.

The details

Wilson, a 5-foot-10, 226-pound back, made a solid impact for the Packers in limited playing time over the past two seasons. He rushed for 998 yards and 7 touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry, while also adding 147 yards and a touchdown receiving. Last season, he had a career-high 107 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in his first career start against the Vikings.

  • Wilson spent his first three NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
  • The Seahawks signed Wilson to a one-year deal in March 2026.

The players

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks.

Emanuel Wilson

A 26-year-old running back who spent the past three seasons with the Green Bay Packers and is now signing with the Seattle Seahawks.

Josh Jacobs

A three-time Pro Bowl running back who was the primary starter in Green Bay during Wilson's time there.

Kenneth Walker III

The Super Bowl MVP running back who left the Seahawks in free agency to join the Kansas City Chiefs.

Zach Charbonnet

A Seahawks running back who is expected to miss the start of next season as he recovers from an ACL tear.

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What they’re saying

“Our pro staff did a great job evaluating (and) identifying Emanuel and just saying, hey, here's this 230-pound guy with great feet. And you sign a one-year deal like that, it's kind of like a, come on in, come be part of our culture. Kind of like, come prove it, see what you can do and compete with a group. And he gives us a little bit of something different. He's a heavy runner.”

— John Schneider, General Manager (Seattle Sports)

What’s next

The Seahawks will continue to evaluate the running back position and may look to further add to the backfield alongside Wilson, Charbonnet, and the other returning players.

The takeaway

By signing the physical and versatile Emanuel Wilson, the Seahawks are adding a different dimension to their backfield as they look to replace the production of departed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.