Seahawks make tough decision to waive former Miami Hurricanes RB

The Seahawks have waived rookie running back Damien Martinez, a seventh-round pick out of Miami, as they trimmed to 53 ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. It seems like Seattle hopes to keep Martinez on the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Martinez flashed in the preseason but couldn’t crack a crowded rotation. His best tape came in Week 2 against the Chiefs, when he logged 11 carries for 50 yards and a 1-yard touchdown and added two catches for 14 yards. In the finale at Green Bay, he finished with 7 carries for 24 yards and 2 receptions for 14. Seattle looks like it will run a three-back room of Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet and George Holani (plus FB Robbie Ouzts) on the initial 53.

Holani’s strong August put him clearly in front for RB3. If Martinez is unclaimed, a practice-squad return is the logical next step. The Seahawks may feel they have a better chance of Martinez clearing waivers than Holani. Although, many fans on X have linked Martinez to the Kansas City Chiefs so we'll see about that.

Martinez registered 1,002 rushing yards and 10 TDs with 17 receptions for 204 yards in 2024. It was the first 1,000-yard season by a Hurricanes running back since 2016. Prior to his time at Miami, Martinez was dynamic in his two years at Oregon State. For the Beavers, Martinez earned First Team All-Pac 12 honors twice and was named Pac 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2022.

Seattle selected him No. 223 overall (7th round) in April. He joined TE Elijah Arroyo, who also went to Miami, as members of the Seahawks 2025 draft class. With RB injuries elsewhere around the league and Seattle’s interest in stashing him, the next 24 hours on waivers will determine whether his NFL career continues in the Pacific Northwest or with a new team.