How To Salvage Rashaad Penny's Career
Here it is, the first surprise article.
Rashaad Penny was a first round pick by the Seattle Seahawks. He was known for his explosiveness in college. There was never a clear plan on how he was going to be used in the Seattle backfield. Chris Carson has taken over the lead back role. The Seahawks seemed to do everything in their power not to use Penny as they continued to add more backs to the roster. Penny had some great flashes when he's in a rhythm and has an opportunity, but it's time for a fresh start as he hits free agency. So, what team that needs help running the ball would pursue the former first round pick? The Houston Texans have entered the chat.
Why It Makes Sense
First let’s start with the Texans running back core…or lack thereof. Here are the backs currently on the roster.
David Johnson (pending free agent)
Rex Burkhead
Royce Freeman
That’s it. That’s the list. Rex Burkhead can’t be a long term answer as this juncture of his career. David Johnson just doesn't have it anymore, and should not be on the roster. He only totaled 228 rushing yards and 225 passing yards in the 2021 season, and only one touchdown. Moving on to Royce Freeman, he is a bust. Mark Ingram was brought in but he got traded back to the Saints before the trade deadline. Philip Lindsay was cut around midseason. Running back is a huge need for Houston.
The Texans should draft a running back early on. Kenneth Walker would be a great fit. Drafting Walker, signing Penny, and keeping Burkhead as the change of pace back/mentor to the young guys is a really good strategy. Penny would be in pretty much a 50/50 split as opposed to the timeshare in Seattle. If it doesn’t work out, it's not a huge loss since Walker or another young back would take over the load. This plan is not much of a gamble, but it is a high reward situation if the Texan’s can hit.
Should He Resign With Seattle?
Probably not. The pick from the get go didn’t make a lot of sense, and some felt Rashaad Penny was drafted too high from San Diego State anyway. It is a little surprising Seattle didn’t try him in the return game since that was a strength of his in college. Maybe Houston gives it a go. 2021 was his best year yardage wise with 749 yards on the ground, but he only got that work due to injuries. In 2020 he had 34 yards rushing for the whole season. If Rashaad Penny stays with the Seahawks, it would be a waste of his career.
Content reset! Coming up in the next cycle:
Best fits for the NFL Draft resume
Breaking down the biggest moves in WNBA free agency
Brandon Banks on the move?
Sooners got a new QB
Bruins prospect update
Breaking down a possible new look SEC and ACC
Welcome to round two everybody!