Seahawks Predicted to Sign 49ers $5 Million Free Agent Playmaker

Seattle looks to bolster running game with addition of Brian Robinson Jr.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:43am

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Despite signing Emanuel Wilson in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks are still in need of a lead running back after the departure of Kenneth Walker. YardBarker's Colton Edwards predicts the Seahawks will sign San Francisco 49ers free agent running back Brian Robinson Jr. to a one-year deal worth $3.1 million to address this need and provide depth in the backfield.

Why it matters

The Seahawks are the defending champions and will need to produce an effective rushing attack in 2026 until Zach Charbonnet returns from a torn ACL. Signing Robinson, who has over 700 rushing yards in each of the last three seasons, would give Seattle a powerful and versatile backfield duo with Wilson.

The details

Robinson appeared in all 17 games for the 49ers last season, posting 400 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 4.3 yards per carry. When he was the lead back for the Washington Commanders from 2022-2024, he tallied over 700 rushing yards and 1,100 scrimmage yards in 2023. Signing the 26-year-old Robinson on a one-year, $3.1 million deal would provide an affordable option to bolster Seattle's running game.

  • Robinson played for the 49ers in the 2025 season.

The players

Brian Robinson Jr.

A 26-year-old free agent running back who spent the 2025 season with the San Francisco 49ers after three seasons as the lead back for the Washington Commanders.

Zach Charbonnet

The Seahawks' starting running back who is currently sidelined with a torn ACL injury.

Kenneth Walker

The former Seahawks running back who has departed the team.

Emanuel Wilson

A running back signed by the Seahawks in free agency to help address their need at the position.

Colton Edwards

A writer for YardBarker who predicted the Seahawks will sign Brian Robinson Jr.

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What they’re saying

“With Zach Charbonnet sidelined by an ACL tear and Walker gone, Seattle signed Emanuel Wilson, but it needs a lead back. Robinson's rushing consistency fits as a rotational starter on a one-year deal during Charbonnet's recovery.”

— Colton Edwards, YardBarker Writer

What’s next

The Seahawks will need to officially sign Robinson to a contract in the coming weeks to solidify their backfield ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Seahawks are looking to add depth and power to their running game by signing the affordable free agent Brian Robinson Jr. from the 49ers, which would provide a solid one-two punch in the backfield alongside Emanuel Wilson until Zach Charbonnet returns from injury.