Seahawks RB George Holani Signs ERFA Tender

Undrafted back returns to Seattle on one-year deal after key playoff contributions.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:08am

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The Seattle Seahawks announced that running back George Holani has signed his exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) tender, officially returning to the team for the 2026 season. Holani, an undrafted free agent out of Boise State in 2024, has carved out a role as a depth back and special teams contributor for the Seahawks over the past two seasons.

Why it matters

With the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency and the expected early-season absence of Zach Charbonnet due to an ACL injury, Holani has an opportunity to take on an expanded role in the Seahawks' backfield in 2026. His strong playoff performance last season, particularly in pass protection, has drawn praise from the team's front office.

The details

Holani, 26, rushed for 73 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries in 11 regular season games in 2025, adding another 15 yards on two receptions. He landed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury in late November but returned for the playoffs, playing a career-high 23 snaps in the NFC Championship and 24 in the Super Bowl. While his rushing production was limited in those games, Holani stood out for his pass protection work.

  • Holani signed his ERFA tender on March 17, 2026.
  • He missed the final six games of the 2025 regular season and Seattle's first playoff game due to a hamstring injury.

The players

George Holani

A 26-year-old running back who has spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks as a depth option and special teams contributor.

Zach Charbonnet

The Seahawks' starting running back who is expected to miss time early in the 2026 season due to a torn ACL suffered in the playoffs.

Kenneth Walker III

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

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks who praised Holani's performance in the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“The one thing that got overlooked in those last two games, and I was talking to Mike (Macdonald) about this, George … was awesome in the NFC championship game and he was awesome in the Super Bowl. His pass protection, he made that catch (in the NFC Championship) for the first down that was a real huge play for us. Every time he goes in the game, he just performs.”

— John Schneider, General Manager (Seattle Sports)

“The pass protection stuff was elite.”

— John Schneider, General Manager (Seattle Sports)

What’s next

The Seahawks will monitor Charbonnet's recovery from his ACL injury and determine Holani's role in the backfield as the 2026 season approaches.

The takeaway

Holani's strong playoff performance and versatility as a pass protector have earned him another opportunity with the Seahawks, who will rely on him to help fill the void left by the departures of Walker and the expected early-season absence of Charbonnet.