Seattle Seahawks Terminate Contract of 24-TD Weapon

The Seattle Seahawks terminated the contract of running back TJ Harden this week, ending his brief tenure with the team just 12 days after signing him.

The 22-year-old undrafted rookie was waived alongside fellow running back Justin Jones as the club continued to reshape its roster during training camp.

Harden joined Seattle on Aug. 5 after the Cleveland Browns waived him two days earlier. The Browns had signed the Southern Methodist product as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.

In Seattle, he competed for a depth role in a backfield that includes first-round rookie Jadarian Price and veteran Zach Charbonnet, who remains sidelined after ACL surgery.

Harden appeared in the Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 15. He played 12 snaps (nine on offense, three on special teams), rushing twice for one yard.

He also recovered a muffed punt in the fourth quarter, giving Seattle a short-field opportunity. That special-teams play was his most notable contribution in limited action.

A Los Angeles-area product from Inglewood High School, Harden spent three seasons at UCLA before transferring to SMU for his senior year.

Across four college seasons he rushed for 2,445 yards and added 622 receiving yards, finishing with 24 total touchdowns (21 rushing, three receiving).

He posted 827 rushing yards and eight scores as a sophomore at UCLA in 2023, then led SMU with 787 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns in 2025 while adding a receiving score. Those 24 career touchdowns underscored his versatility as a between-the-tackles runner and pass-catcher.

The Seahawks signed Harden as extra insurance while evaluating their running-back group. With Charbonnet still recovering and the team adding players such as Anthony Hankerson in corresponding moves, the 53-man roster decisions are tightening.

Harden, listed at 6-foot and 218 pounds, showed some special-teams ability but did not separate himself in the preseason opener.

At this stage of camp, undrafted rookies often face a steep climb. Harden now becomes a free agent and will look for another opportunity, likely with a team seeking a physical back who can contribute on special teams.

His college production gives him a résumé that could attract interest from clubs needing depth later in the preseason or during the regular season.

The Seahawks’ running-back room remains in flux as they prepare for the remainder of the preseason. Harden’s waiver is one of several recent transactions as head coach Mike Macdonald and the front office finalize the 53-man roster.