Seattle’s Jadarian Price emerges as betting favourite for NFL rookie accolades
With Kenneth Walker Jr. departed and Zach Charbonnet injured, the Seahawks’ new running back is attracting significant market attention ahead of the 2026 season.
Betting markets are placing substantial weight on Seattle Seahawks first-round pick Jadarian Price to secure the 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. At BetMGM, Price is priced at +750 and has attracted the highest volume of betting tickets of any player on the board, accounting for 10.3 per cent of wagers. He also ranks second in total handle at 12.8 per cent, signalling strong institutional and public confidence in his immediate impact.
The surge in wagering activity follows a significant restructuring of the Seahawks’ backfield. Former running back Kenneth Walker Jr., the reigning Super Bowl MVP, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after the Seahawks declined to match his market value. Concurrently, incumbent Zach Charbonnet suffered an ACL tear during the Divisional Round of the playoffs, a injury that is expected to sideline him for the start of the 2026 season.
Price, selected as the final pick of the first round, is projected to assume a primary workload in the absence of Walker and Charbonnet. Head coach Mike Macdonald has indicated that the rookie will be integrated into both wide zone and gap scheme running plays, while also competing for kick-return duties. This versatility is expected to provide Price with early-season touches over other backs, including George Holani and Emanuel Wilson.
Price’s collegiate profile at Notre Dame supports his potential for high-volume production. As a third-team All-American, he recorded 113 carries for 674 yards and 11 rushing scores, alongside two receiving scores and 12 kick returns for 450 yards. He became only the ninth player in FBS history to record at least 10 rushing scores and 10 kick-return scores in a single season, leading the division in kickoff-return average.
Despite the heavy betting interest, no Seahawks player has ever won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The team’s visibility is further amplified by its feature on HBO’s Hard Knocks this summer, which will provide public insight into Price’s integration into the offence. DraftKings has also opened rookie props for Price, with lines set at -110 for 750 rushing yards and +225 for 1,000 yards.
