The Seahawks have already made one splash before the 2026 NFL trade deadline, landing eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson. But if John Schneider wants to finish the job, the next move is staring right at him: Jonathan Taylor.
Seattle’s offense has flashed enough to keep hope alive, but the cracks are obvious. The rushing game has been uneven, and the Seahawks have struggled in the biggest moments. That showed up again in Monday night’s loss to the Chicago Bears, a defeat that dropped Seattle to 4-4 and left it tied with the Los Angeles Rams while chasing the division-leading 49ers.
There’s still plenty working for the Seahawks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been on a tear, posting seven 100-yard receiving games through eight contests. But the offense has repeatedly bogged down on third down and in the red zone, and the ground game has not been steady enough to support everything else.
That’s why Taylor makes so much sense. He’s already one of the league’s most accomplished backs, and through seven games in 2026 he has piled up 587 rushing yards with a league-leading eight rushing touchdowns. He brings burst, vision, and the kind of finish that can change how a defense plays.
The fit gets even better when you factor in Nelson. The two were a strong interior pairing in Indianapolis, and Seattle already has Nelson in the building. Reuniting him with Taylor would give the Seahawks a chance to build around a familiar, punishing combination.
Seattle could use that kind of identity. Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price were both back against Chicago after injury absences, but their return doesn’t have to close the door on a bigger swing. Taylor would be the clear upgrade, the kind of runner who can turn the backfield from a rotating piece into a real weapon.
Indianapolis has reportedly been open to offers, and Seattle is among the teams that have shown interest in the three-time Pro Bowler. The Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Giants have also been linked to him.
The price won’t be light. Reports say the Colts have asked for a first-round pick and a defensive tackle in at least one package. Taylor’s two-year, $44 million extension, signed in August, keeps him under contract through 2028.
Seattle would have to think hard before sending out a premium asset, especially with a future first-rounder in play. But if the Seahawks are serious about chasing another title, the gamble may be worth it. A 2027 first-round pick and a conditional future selection could be the kind of offer that gets Indianapolis to listen.
The appeal goes beyond the box score. Taylor would force defenses to respect Seattle between the tackles, which could open things up for Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp on the outside. It would also ease the load on Sam Darnold, who has shown he can light it up but shouldn’t have to carry the offense every week.
That balance matters, and the Bears game made it plain. Seattle went just 1-for-11 on third down and scored touchdowns on only one of four red-zone trips. Those are the moments where a dependable runner changes the feel of a game.
Schneider has already shown he’s willing to act boldly. Adding Nelson was a major move. Going after Taylor would be the one that completes the offensive overhaul.
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Gardner Minshew is set to start for Arizona after the Jacoby Brissett trade, and Drew Lock will take the ball for Seattle, giving this matchup a different look than it had earlier in the week. Both teams still have practice time before they lock in their active rosters, but the quarterback picture alone has already shifted the tone of a game that was going to demand attention anyway. [Read more 🡒]