What happened: Seattle's ground game has stalled following Kenneth Walker III's free-agency departure, with 2026 first-round pick Jadarian Price (32nd overall) and Zach Charbonnet both sidelined by injuries. Yahoo NFL outlines running backs Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton as backfield possibilities for general manager John Schneider alongside Indianapolis guard Quenton Nelson, an established Colts trade piece, and Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack. In Indianapolis, former Seahawks executive Ed Dodds now runs personnel on an interim basis after the Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard, creating front-office familiarity with Schneider.

Why it matters: Acquiring Taylor would carry major draft and cap costs, as the Colts back is signed through 2028 with $16 million owed in 2027 and would likely command at least a second-round pick plus extra assets. Seattle must weigh that commitment against the expected returns of Price and Charbonnet as well as upcoming extension priorities such as defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. While Pollard represents a lower-cost rotation option and Barkley has been slowed by a hamstring injury, Mike Macdonald's defense also needs more consistent edge production.

What to watch: Seattle (3-3) faces the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline. Dropping both matchups to fall to 3-5 will determine whether Schneider pursues an aggressive midseason addition or holds onto draft capital.