A new coaching staff is running the show in Seattle, but GM John Schneider remains in place. The longtime GM, who now holds top decision-making authority, will have his new staff take a look at one of his former first-round picks.
Rashaad Penny made a trip back to Seattle for a visit Wednesday, according to Cardinals Wire’s Howard Balzer. Penny spent last season with the Eagles but was with the Seahawks for the first five years of his career. The 2018 first-rounder now profiles as a depth option.
A nonfactor in Philadelphia, Penny enjoyed spurts of success — most notably the 2021 stretch run — in Seattle. But injuries have plagued the San Diego State alum for most of his career. Turning 28 earlier this year, Penny figures to be running short on chances. The Seahawks obviously know him well, though Mike Macdonald‘s coaching crew is certainly less familiar.
The Seahawks rostered Penny and Chris Carson for four years, but the latter’s career-ending injury sustained early during the 2021 season left the younger back a path to more playing time. Penny capitalized late that season, eclipsing 130 rushing yards in four of the Seahawks’ final five games. For the ’21 season, Penny averaged a league-high 6.3 yards per carry. That, however, came in just 10 games. Penny injuries limited him in his best season, and the past two have not featured much success.
Penny re-signed with the Seahawks on a one-year, $5MM deal in 2022 but was not available to work with Ken Walker in a rotation for too long. A fractured fibula — along with tibia damage and a high ankle sprain — limited Penny to five games in 2022. In five Seahawks years, Penny missed 40 regular-season games. The Eagles brought in Penny on a one-year, $1.35MM deal in 2023. They soon traded for D’Andre Swift. With Kenneth Gainwell serving as the ex-Lion’s backup — in a backfield also housing longtime contributor Boston Scott — Penny did not see much action. Playing in just three games, Penny logged only 11 carries last season.
While this coaching staff did not work with Penny during Pete Carroll’s tenure, new OC Ryan Grubb — for what it’s worth — was a Fresno State assistant during Penny’s time as a standout in the Mountain West Conference. The 220-pound back’s stock has dropped in the years since, and the Seahawks have used second-round picks on two backs — Walker and Zach Charbonnet — in each of the past two years. The team did lose four-year contributor DeeJay Dallas to the Cardinals this offseason, which will undoubtedly lead to a depth addition soon.
The Seahawks continue to meet
I wonder how his “visit” went! Did they show him around the practice facility?? I’m pretty sure he can find the training room.
I’m not sure what the thinking is about that? He has always had talent, but has never been able to remain healthy enough to consistently compete. League minimum seems at risk here. I would draft & take a rookie in the late rounds.
No way. Walker and Charbonnet are the top two backs. Don’t waste a draft pick on a 3rd string RB. Penny on a league minimum contract gives them the most value, while providing a viable insurance option in case one of those RBs goes down.
Penny is a guy that needs insurance, not a guy that provides insurance. There are tons of guys that will be available as UDFA after the draft if you think that guys like Dillion Johnson aren’t worth a sixth or seventh rounder. The real thing is that we only get so many roster spots, and I’ve touched the Rashaad Penny stove before.
Oh what a lateral move this would be