The Seattle Seahawks might benefit from acquiring an additional playmaker to solidify their chances of reaching the postseason.
According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report, the Seahawks are suggested to consider pursuing free agent running back JD McKissic. Fowler argues that McKissic could serve as a valuable asset on third downs, a role he previously fulfilled during his initial stint with Seattle. In the 2017 season, despite playing only 34% of the offensive snaps, McKissic caught 34 passes for 266 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns.
Fowler draws attention to Jerick McKinnon’s impact in Kansas City during recent postseasons, highlighting how a similar change-of-pace talent like JD McKissic could inject energy into an offense, particularly providing a needed boost on third downs from the backfield.
Why the Seahawks Could Benefit From JD McKissic
Throughout his career, JD McKissic has predominantly served as a specialized running back. He has started only 14 out of 70 career games and has participated in over 45% of his team’s offensive snaps in just one season across his seven years in the NFL.
Fowler highlights McKissic as potentially the “missing” component in the Seahawks’ offensive lineup. “Winning matchups remains crucial, especially in the playoffs where converting third-downs often leads to success,” states Fowler. While McKissic might not be the most high-profile name among available free agents, his skill set aligns with the modern game and could serve as that pivotal final piece for the team’s offensive strategy.
Interestingly, just three years ago, McKissic impressively caught 80 passes out of 110 targets. These numbers are remarkable not only for a running back but also compare favorably with stats of some wide receivers. In the 2020 season, he ranked second in receptions and led all running backs in targets.
Seahawks’ Current Running Backs Struggle in the Passing Game
The Seattle Seahawks boast a formidable running back duo in Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, yet their impact in the passing game is negligible. Walker has managed just 17 receptions for 173 receiving yards and one touchdown, following a prior season where he recorded 27 receptions for 165 yards as the primary back. Charbonnet’s receiving contributions are even more limited, with 23 receptions for a mere 103 yards (averaging 4.5 yards per catch).
The potential addition of McKissic could significantly enhance Seattle’s passing game and provide support for Geno Smith, who has encountered challenges in his second season as a starter. Smith’s performance places him in the middle tier among quarterbacks, ranking 15th in passing yards and 19th in touchdowns. The Seahawks’ offense has notably struggled, enduring a drought of 20 consecutive quarters without an offensive touchdown and ranking 18th in the league for points per game (20.8).
Moreover, the Seahawks’ Achilles’ heel lies in their inability to convert on third downs. Despite a talented supporting offensive cast featuring DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle currently ranks 29th in third-down conversion percentage, managing only 31.34%.
While a potential signing of McKissic may not spark overwhelming enthusiasm, Fowler underscores that McKissic stands out as the premier receiving weapon among available running backs in the market. Given the team’s well-documented struggles on crucial third downs, which significantly impact their ability to win games, the addition of the 30-year-old back could significantly benefit the Seahawks during their playoff push.
DJ Siddiqi specializes in NFL coverage for Heavy.com, focusing on teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prior to joining Heavy, he has contributed NFL and NBA coverage for Forbes, ClutchPoints, CBS Sports, 24/7 Sports, and Bleacher Report.Ju
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