The Seattle Seahawks need more than a patchwork backfield. They need a dependable veteran who can carry the load while their running back room heals. Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard offers that stability, even as his production has been modest ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.

There is one important complication: Tennessee has not signaled that it wants to move him. The Titans are 0-5 and Pollard is on an expiring contract, so he fits the profile of a deadline candidate. But general manager Mike Borgonzi has reportedly rebuffed teams that called, and a “ridiculous offer” is the only thing that might change that. Any Seahawks proposal needs to respect that leverage without overpaying a 29-year-old rental.

The ideal offer is a 2027 fifth-round pick.

What would the Seahawks need to give up for Tony Pollard?

Here is the proposed deal:

Seahawks receive:

  • RB Tony Pollard

Titans receive:

  • 2027 fifth-round pick

A fifth-rounder gives Tennessee real draft capital for a player it may not re-sign. It also keeps Seattle from spending premium assets on a short-term fix. This is a proposed package, not a reported negotiation or a confirmed asking price.

The framework also fits Pollard's contract situation. He is in the final year of a three-year, $21.75 million deal, with a $6.74 million base salary and a $9.25 million cap hit. The Titans could also release him in the offseason and save $7.25 million, which limits how much he is worth to them.

But a reasonable price is not a guaranteed yes. Tennessee can simply keep him and let the season play out. Seattle should still make a serious call and avoid the temptation to bid against itself with a fourth-round pick.

Why do the Seahawks need Tony Pollard?

Seattle's backfield has been hit hard. Kenneth Walker III left for Kansas City in free agency, rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price is on injured reserve, and Zach Charbonnet is still working back from his torn ACL. Charbonnet missed Week 6 but has a “legitimate chance” to play in Week 7. Price cannot return before Week 8.

That leaves Emanuel Wilson as the starter. The Seahawks average just 3.4 yards per attempt and Pollard would give Mike Macdonald's team a more established option while those injuries clear up.

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His numbers this season are not spectacular. Pollard has 68 carries for 273 yards, a 4.0 average, and one touchdown. But he ran for 1,082 yards last year, and Seattle needs steady production, not a star. His versatility also helps if Charbonnet's return is managed carefully.

Why would the Titans consider this offer?

Tennessee gets a pick for a player who may not be part of its future. With the team winless and Pollard's contract ending, a fifth-rounder is a reasonable return for a veteran on an expiring deal.

Still, the Titans do not have to sell. They could argue Pollard is more valuable as a veteran presence than a late-round pick. That is why Seattle's offer needs to be clean and fair rather than aggressive.

For the Seahawks, the appeal is control without long-term risk. Pollard's deal expires after the season, so there is no future commitment to worry about. If Charbonnet and Price return healthy, Seattle can use him as depth. If they do not, he is already in place.

A fifth-round pick balances the upside against the cost. Seattle should make the call, present a straightforward offer and avoid turning a practical depth move into an overpay.