Kenneth Walker III: Super Bowl MVP Set to Hit Free Agency
Running back Kenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, is not expected to receive the franchise tag from the Seattle Seahawks and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL's new league year begins on March 11. This decision places Walker's future with the team in question, unless a new contract agreement is reached prior to the free agency period.
Multiple teams are anticipated to show interest in the star running back, while the Seahawks navigate their salary cap and other key player extension priorities.
Contract Status and Free Agency Outlook
The Seattle Seahawks are not anticipated to apply the franchise tag to Kenneth Walker III. This means Walker is set to become an unrestricted free agent unless a new contract is agreed upon with the Seahawks before March 11.
Should Walker sign with another team, he would be the fourth reigning Super Bowl MVP in NFL history to play for a different team in the subsequent season.
General Manager John Schneider has expressed a desire to retain Walker and other free agents, but has indicated this would not be at the expense of an expensive franchise tag or a top-tier deal that would significantly restrict future spending capabilities. There is a possibility Walker could briefly enter free agency while contract terms are evaluated.
Performance and Career History
Walker, a second-round draft pick out of Michigan State in 2022, has completed his four-year NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks. His regular season statistics include:
- 2022 (Rookie Season): 1,050 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
- 2023 Season: 905 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
- 2024 Season: 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns, achieved in 11 games.
His production during the 2024 season was affected by injuries and the emergence of Zach Charbonnet, a 2023 second-round pick, who contributed 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Following Charbonnet's season-ending ACL tear in an NFC Divisional Round playoff game, Walker assumed the primary role in the Seattle backfield during the postseason. Over three playoff games, he accumulated 313 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with nine receptions for 104 yards.
In the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, Walker recorded 135 rushing yards on 27 carries and secured two receptions for 26 yards in the Seahawks' 29-13 victory.
Potential Suitors and Market Value
Several NFL teams in need of a running back are expected to show interest in Walker. These teams reportedly include:
- New York Giants
- Washington Commanders
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- Arizona Cardinals
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Tennessee Titans
The market for top running backs is currently high. The New York Jets recently placed a franchise tag on running back Breece Hall for approximately $14.3 million.
Dan Duggan of The Athletic suggested that Walker could potentially seek an annual salary of $15 million, which might influence team decisions regarding long-term contracts.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Giants, Titans, and Commanders are interested in signing Walker to a long-term deal, though it remains uncertain if these teams would agree to a $15 million annual salary. Among the potential suitors, the Kansas City Chiefs could be an option, as a strong running game could support quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a torn ACL. However, the Chiefs would need to manage their salary cap to pursue Walker. The New York Giants have also reportedly shown interest in high-profile free agent running backs.
Seahawks' Financial Position and Priorities
The Seattle Seahawks hold the sixth-most salary cap space in the NFL, with $53 million available according to Spotrac. Despite this financial capacity, the team faces other key contract extension priorities. These include quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
The team's strategy is to manage its cap space to address these multiple needs while considering Walker's future.