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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks calls out at the line against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Sam Darnold did not wait long to welcome one of the newest pieces of the Seattle Seahawks offense.

After the Seahawks selected Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the No. 32 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Darnold posted a message on his Instagram story: “Yessir!! Welcome to the squad! @jadariandprice.”

That is a small social-media moment, but it points to a bigger Seahawks reality: Seattle did not use its first pick on a luxury piece. The Seahawks used it on a running back who could quickly become one of Darnold’s most important offensive supports.

Seattle officially announced Price as its first-round pick, calling him an “explosive playmaker” after taking the Notre Dame back at No. 32. Price rushed for 674 yards and 11 touchdowns on 113 carries last season, averaged 6.0 yards per carry and also scored twice as a receiver and twice as a kick returner, according to the team.

Jadarian Price Gives Sam Darnold a New Backfield Partner

Darnold joined the Seahawks in 2025 on a multi-year deal after a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings. Seattle’s official announcement noted that Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2024 before signing with the Seahawks.

The contract also made him a clear centerpiece of Seattle’s short-term offensive plan. Over the Cap lists Darnold’s deal as a three-year, $100.5 million contract with $55 million guaranteed.

That is why Price’s arrival matters beyond the usual first-round buzz. A quarterback on that kind of deal needs a run game that can protect him from having to carry the offense every week. Price is not just another young skill player; he is a potential tone-setter for the version of the Seahawks offense Darnold will be asked to lead.

Seattle’s own leadership made clear that Price was not a random late-first swing. General manager John Schneider said Price “stood alone” on the Seahawks’ board late in the first round, and head coach Mike Macdonald called him a “great fit” for the team.

Seahawks’ Backfield Has Real Opportunity After Kenneth Walker III Exit

Price should have a path to early work because Seattle’s backfield has changed significantly.

The Seahawks’ team site noted that Price will compete for a major role after Kenneth Walker III left in free agency, while Zach Charbonnet is coming back from an ACL injury suffered in the postseason. Seattle also has George Holani, Kenny McIntosh, Cam Akers, Jacardia Wright and free-agent addition Emanuel Wilson in the running back room.

That makes Darnold’s quick welcome more notable. Price is walking into a room with competition, but also a clear opening. Schneider said Seattle was not going to “completely force it” at running back, but acknowledged the team “just lost a really good runner in Ken Walker.”

The Seahawks did not draft Price merely because they needed depth. Schneider pointed to Price’s “instant acceleration,” vision, cutback ability, contact balance and home-run speed, while also noting his three career kickoff-return touchdowns.

Those traits matter for Darnold. Explosive runs can change down-and-distance. Kick-return ability can tilt field position. A back who can stress defenses horizontally and vertically gives Seattle more ways to create manageable throws rather than asking Darnold to live in obvious passing situations.

Price’s Fit Makes Darnold’s Message More Than a Welcome Post

The first-round running back debate is not going away. Some Seahawks fans will question using pick No. 32 on the position, especially when Schneider had previously expressed interest in trading back. The team said a trade became harder after five of the six picks from No. 26 through No. 31 were moved, leaving Seattle to take the player it had highest on the board.

That context helps the pick make more sense. Seattle did not land Price after forcing a need. The Seahawks viewed him as the best player left, at a position where the roster had both a production gap and injury uncertainty.

Darnold’s Instagram message gives the story a human entry point. The football meaning is bigger: Seattle’s quarterback now has a first-round running back joining an offense that needs balance, explosive plays and stability around him.

For Price, the welcome from Darnold is the first public sign of acceptance from the player he will be working with most closely in Seattle’s backfield. For Darnold, it is a quick nod to the rookie who may help define how comfortable his second Seahawks season feels.