Former Packers running back Emanuel Wilson agreed to a one-year $2.1million contract to add depth to the running backs unit after the departure of Super Bowl MVP Ken Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs.
After three days of securing coveted internal free agents, the Seahawks signed two external candidates on Day Four of the NFL Free Agency period. Both external signings added competition to positional units that lost starters.
Former Colts safety Rodney Thomas II was signed to bring another body to the safety position, following the departure of starter Coby Bryant to the Chicago Bears.
Thomas was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft by the Indianapolis Colts and established himself as a reliable, consistent player. He started 10 of 17 games with four interceptions and 52 combined sacks. In 2023, Wilson started 15 of 17 games, had 2 interceptions, and 34 combined tackles. Wilson saw a drop off in numbers the last two seasons, but still managed to play in all 34 games.
RUNNING BACK DEPTH
WHAT STANDS OUT
The Broncos signed Wilson as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and waived him three days later. The Green Bay Packers signed him, and he played in 11 games before a shoulder injury placed him on the IR list. Wilson logged 17 games in 2024 and 2025 while playing behind Josh Jacobs. He started two games in 2025. In the Packers’ 23-6 win over the Vikings, Wilson had 28 carries for 107 yards and scored two touchdowns. His second start was in the Packers’ regular-season 16-3 loss to the Vikings. In that game, Wilson had 18 carries for 44 yards.
He is a versatile back with good hands, in addition to his 496 rushing yards. Wilson had 99 yards on 15 receptions.
KEEPING INTERNAL CANDIDATES
After signing the two external free agents, the Seahawks turned inward and re-signed special team captain Brady Russell, Brandon Pili, and D’ Anthony Bell. Russell has been the backbone of the Seahawks’ special teams units and, as a result, is the special teams captain.
Pili was signed to the Seahawks practice squad in November 2024 and signed to the active roster in Week 18, but was inactive for the season finale. In 2025 he started one game and participated in 11 games. Pili added depth to the defensive line and showed his value as the season progressed.
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