Seahawks Not Tagging Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III; RB Set for Free Agency
Kenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, is not expected to be franchise tagged by the Seattle Seahawks. This pivotal decision means Walker is slated to become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL's new league year begins on March 11, unless he and the Seahawks reach a new contract agreement before then.
Should Walker sign with another team, he would join a select group as only the fourth reigning Super Bowl MVP in NFL history to play for a different team in the subsequent season.
Multiple teams in need of a running back are anticipated to show interest in Walker. Potential suitors include the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Walker's Career in Seattle
Walker, a second-round draft pick from Michigan State in 2022, has completed his entire four-year NFL career with Seattle. His production has been consistent throughout his tenure:
- 2022 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.
His 2024 season production was influenced by injuries that limited him to 11 games and the emergence of 2023 second-round pick Zach Charbonnet, who rushed for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Playoff Dominance and Super Bowl MVP
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. He was instrumental in Seattle's playoff run:
- Postseason (3 games): Accumulated 313 rushing yards and four touchdowns, alongside nine receptions for 104 yards.
- Super Bowl vs. New England Patriots: Contributed a standout 135 rushing yards on 27 carries and secured two receptions for 26 yards in the Seahawks' 29-13 victory, earning him the Super Bowl MVP award.
Seattle's Strategic Decision
The Seahawks' decision regarding Walker is influenced by upcoming contract extension needs for several other key players. These include quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Prioritizing these extensions appears to be a factor in allowing Walker to explore free agency.
Key Potential Suitors
Among the anticipated teams to show interest, two stand out with particular intrigue:
- Kansas City Chiefs: A strong running game could significantly benefit quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a torn ACL, an area where Kansas City has sought consistency. However, the Chiefs would need to manage their salary cap carefully to pursue Walker.
- New York Giants: The Giants have reportedly shown interest in high-profile free agent running backs, including Walker, despite having Cam Skattebo on their roster.