With Zach Charbonnet sidelined, Seattle’s explosive newcomer could seize a high-volume role, transforming his status from a long-shot candidate into a premier contender for offensive honors.
Expectations are already starting to form around Seattle’s newest offensive addition, and not all of them are flattering.
In a recent ESPN breakdown of early NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates, Jadarian Price was listed as more of a "long shot" to win the award, despite landing in a favorable situation with the Seattle Seahawks.
"Price has a strong path to serious candidacy," ESPN's Ben Solak writes. "The Seahawks split their backfield work between Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III last season, and their plan is likely to slide Price into Walker's shoes. But Charbonnet tore an ACL in the divisional round of the playoffs, so he'll be less than eight months removed from the injury when Week 1 hits. That gives Price an opportunity to immediately wrest control as a 15- to 20-plus touch player in the first month."
For Seattle, the selection of Price in the 2026 draft was about upside. He enters a backfield that has undergone transition, and the organization clearly believes his blend of speed, vision, and versatility can translate into an impact role.
That is also highlighted by the fact that Charbonnet will be sidelined a significant amount of time. And with the only other running backs on Seattle's roster being Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, Price could absolutely find himself with RB1 snaps.
Historically, the award tends to favor rookies who step into high-volume roles right away, particularly feature running backs or quarterbacks who are immediately central to their team’s identity.
Price’s college profile shows why there’s optimism in Seattle, but also why the "long shot" tag exists. At Notre Dame, he flashed big-play ability and efficiency, but often did so in a shared role rather than as a full-time workhorse.
Being backup to the best running back in all of college football in Jeremiyah Love does cast a shadow over you, but Price absolutely did his thing with the Fighting Irish this past season.
He racked up 674 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground with RB2 snaps. He was also able to show his ability to contribute in the passing game with two touchdowns through the air.
Still, "long shot" doesn’t mean "no chance."
Guys like Fernando Mendoza and Jeremiyah Love are going to the players who are looked at for this award, but Price could absolutely sneak his way into the conversation if he makes the most of the opportunities that he will surely be given.