In the vibrant city of Seattle, a new coaching staff has taken the reins, eager to make their mark on the football scene. However, amidst the fresh faces and new strategies, one constant remains: the ever-present figure of General Manager John Schneider. With his vast experience and now holding the highest decision-making authority, Schneider is keen to have his new coaching staff evaluate a player from his past.
On a Wednesday that held the promise of change, Rashaad Penny returned to the city that once embraced him, as reported by the esteemed Cardinals Wire’s Howard Balzer. Penny, who spent the previous season with the Eagles, had initially made a name for himself during his formative years in Seattle. Now, he finds himself occupying the role of a depth option, no longer the prominent figure he once was.
While Penny struggled to make a significant impact during his time in Philadelphia, there were moments in Seattle where he shone brightly. Particularly during the thrilling stretch run of 2021, he showcased glimpses of his potential. Alas, injuries have plagued the talented San Diego State alumnus throughout his career, leaving him with limited opportunities. Turning 28 earlier this year, Penny finds himself standing at a crossroads, his chances for redemption diminishing. While the Seahawks possess intimate knowledge of his abilities, the new coaching crew led by Mike Macdonald lacks the same familiarity.
For four years, Penny shared the backfield with the formidable Chris Carson. However, tragedy struck when Carson suffered a career-ending injury early in the 2021 season, opening a path for the younger Penny to seize more playing time. And seize it he did, capitalizing on the opportunity in the most impressive fashion. In the Seahawks’ final five games, Penny eclipsed the 130 rushing yard mark in four of them, leaving a lasting impression. Throughout the 2021 season, Penny boasted an awe-inspiring average of 6.3 yards per carry, a feat that earned him the distinction of leading the league in this category. Yet, this dazzling achievement was achieved in only ten games, as injuries persisted, robbing him of the chance to fully showcase his potential.
In 2022, Penny opted to return to the Seahawks, signing a one-year, $5MM deal. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, as a fractured fibula limited him to a mere five games. In his five years with the Seahawks, Penny endured the agony of missing 40 regular-season games due to various injuries. Seeking a fresh start, he joined the Eagles on a one-year, $1.35MM contract in 2023, only to find himself displaced by the arrival of D’Andre Swift. With Kenneth Gainwell serving as Swift’s backup in a backfield already housing the seasoned Boston Scott, Penny found himself on the sidelines, barely seeing the field. In the entirety of the previous season, he appeared in a mere three games, carrying the ball just 11 times.
While the current coaching staff did not have the privilege of working with Penny during the tenure of the legendary Pete Carroll, it is worth noting that new Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb was once an assistant at Fresno State when Penny was a standout in the Mountain West Conference. Nevertheless, the stock of the 220-pound running back has gradually dwindled over the years. The Seahawks, recognizing the need for fresh talent, invested second-round picks in two promising backs, Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet, in consecutive years. Furthermore, the departure of DeeJay Dallas, a valuable contributor for four years, to the Cardinals this offseason signifies the team’s impending need for a new addition to their backfield.
As the story unfolds, only time will tell if Rashaad Penny can reclaim his former glory and prove his worth to the new coaching staff, or if his journey will lead him elsewhere, seeking new opportunities and a chance at redemption. The stage is set, and the spotlight awaits.
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