Emmanuel Wilson has found himself in the middle of a crowded Seahawks backfield, and he’s making the most of every snap he can grab.
With Jadarian Price dealing with a lower-body injury in training camp and kept off the field for now, Wilson got a bigger chance to show what he can do in Seattle’s practices. The veteran free agent, who signed with the Seahawks on March 13, said he’s not worried about fitting a certain mold.
“I’m bringing something different,” Wilson told reporters on Saturday. “A lot of people think I don’t have speed, but I have a lot of speed on my end, and really just bringing a lot of power.”
Wilson has been in this spot before. He spent time as the backup to Josh Jacobs in Green Bay when Jacobs was dealing with a knee injury, and now he’s trying to turn another opening into a real role with the Seahawks.
Before his Packers stint, Wilson redshirted at Johnson C. Smith University, sitting out a year, then signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent.
On Saturday, he worked with first-team reps alongside George Holani, giving him a look with Seattle’s top group. He flashed the burst and agility that have kept him in the conversation, and he made it clear he’s ready to do whatever the offense needs.
"Whoever's out there that's going to make a play,” Wilson said. “We're going to lean on the lineman to make sure they get to their right blocks, and we're going to continue to press."
Price’s injury is not considered serious, and the expectation is that he’ll be back with the team soon. The belief is that Price will likely be in the mix from the first game, which only tightens the competition. If Seattle keeps Price, Holani, and Zach Charbonnet, there may be only one spot left for Wilson to fight for.
Even so, Wilson has shown enough to keep his name in the mix. In 2024, he rushed for 502 yards and four touchdowns, which ranked eighth in the NFL. He also turned in a strong showing against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12.
Wilson also praised Price, pointing to the rookie’s feet and ball-tracking ability.
"His feet like he got some amazing feet, and also the way he tracks the ball when he's catching is wonderful,” Wilson said. “Jadarian he got a lot to him he's going to be a great back in this league."
Seattle’s offensive plan, according to Brian Fleury, calls for Wilson to lean into running backs coach Thomas Hammock’s "North and South Finishing" concept. That fits a runner who brings power, speed, and the kind of downhill style that can still make a crowded competition interesting.
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