Seahawks sign UDFA rookie RB TJ Harden

The Seattle Seahawks signed running back TJ Harden to a one-year contract on Wednesday. Ian Rapoport was first on it at 1:34 p.m. PST.

The #Seahawks are signing RB TJ Harden, formerly of the #Browns, to a 1-year deal, per his agent Hector Ruiz of TRI Sport Agency.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 5, 2026

Harden went undrafted in April after a four-year college career with UCLA and SMU. He signed with theCleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent and participated in their offseason activities until Monday, when they released him to make room for defensive tackle Travis Bell. Cleveland now has five running backs after releasing Harden, but the Seahawks have seven after adding him.

Measuring in at 6’0 2/8″, 218, Harden profiles as a physical runner with good contact balance. He was only a three-star recruit out of high school due to limited speed and agility, but still good enough in the competitive California Southern Section to convince UCLA to take a chance on him. Just two years ago, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy praised his ability to execute a well-rounded fullback role, “taking stress off the tight end” in pass protection in addition to running and catching when need be.

Harden won’t threaten Jadarian Price’s reps as the most explosive back in the offense, but all the short-yardage backs have a new competitor to stave off. If he can stand out in pass protection, he can push the rest of the depth chart during training camp and preseason. If the fullback role is truly in the works, though, maybe it’s just a short-term Robbie Ouzts replacement.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks sign UDFA rookie RB TJ Harden