Kenneth Walker III set himself up for a lucrative payday thanks to this year’s playoff run, which culminated in him earning Super Bowl MVP following the Seahawks’ win over the Patriots. While it remains uncertain how much money the running back will earn on his next contract, there does seem to be a bit more certainty about where he’ll be playing in 2026. In his review of franchise tag candidates, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones said there is “little doubt” that Walker will stick with the Seahawks.
While there was once a belief that Walker may be trending towards a Seattle exit, things have changed dramatically over the past few weeks. First, Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL that could sideline him for much of the 2026 campaign, putting extra reliance on Walker. The fourth-year player more than stepped up as a three-down back, averaging more than 100 rushing yards in his three playoff games. Even before his MVP-winning performance in the Super Bowl, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald expressed interest in re-signing the RB, and Walker himself later stated his desire to stick with the team.
While Walker faced little competition for carries as a rookie, he ceded carries to Charbonnet over the past three years. The 25-year-old has also dealt with a handful of injuries, including a 2024 campaign where he missed six games. Those factors led to him generally being ranked third in this year’s free agent class behind Breece Hall and Travis Etienne.
Of course, outside of his standout playoff performance, there were still plenty of reasons to like Walker. The running back hauled in at least 25 catches for the fourth time in four NFL seasons, and his big-play ability (he finished sixth in 2025 with 33 rushes of 10-plus yards) is appealing to any team. Add in his 417 yards from scrimmage in three postseason games, and Jones estimated that the impending free agent has “earned himself millions” on his next contract.
However, while Jones is confident that the RB will re-sign with the Seahawks, he’s also wary of prolonged negotiations. Jones says Walker could point to Josh Jacobs‘ $12MM AAV, a number that ranks just outside of the top-five at the position. Jones also opines that the Seahawks front office could opt for the franchise tag, meaning Walker would earn roughly $14MM via a one-year contract.
Regardless of the terms of his next contract, it appears that Walker’s worth has taken a significant jump following his impressive playoff run.
The Charbonnet injury makes bringing Walker back a necessity for the Super Bowl Champions.
Never thought there was a chance he was gonna leave to be honest
The Tag was a reality the moment Charbonnet got the diagnosis
Maybe 3/4 years with 2 guaranteed and partial on 3rd is a good compromise.
Been a fan of his since his rookie season. He was frustrated for awhile due to a subpar line, where he had to constantly break tackles to get anywhere and got dinged up.
The line was alot better this year and people saw the talent he truly has. He could get the tag but he has to also work on his blocking ability. He could sometimes be like a matador letting someone get by him. His receiving can get better as well.
His free agency path could actually be similar to Priest Holmes, who shared the backfield in Baltimore before winning a SB, then he went to KC and became a great free agent pickup. The Seahawks need him, but teams like the Chiefs, Vikings, Cardinals, Broncos or Chargers, may give him a bigger deal.
meyers should of won mvp. sb record 5 fgs. 17 total pts.
The longest one was 41 yards. Witherspoon had a better case imo.
Michael Dickson MVP
We hear this a lot, but it was truly a team effort. A ton of guys contributed in their individual roles to the outcome, and you could make a really good argument for Myers, Dickson, Witherspoon, Darnold, or our actual winner in Walker. All of those guys had clutch plays, large or small, to keep the team in rhythm in a game that was closer score-wise than the final ended up being. New England’s defense played well; its offense did not. Seattle played well in all phases of the game, and each of those guys had clutch plays to keep them going. It truly was a team win.
Absolutely. The way that roster is built and coached on defense in particular is cool as hell. Not that they don’t have a few studs on offense too.
AK when exactly were you worried about NE winning? That game was not closer than the score. I have seen a couple on here say it was closer but nobody in the media that I saw said it. After the second FG I had no doubt. There were a couple times later that it was a maybe but nothing that got me nervous. After the second FG our D was playing so good I had no doubt.
I didn’t seriously about NE winning, but the game was definitely closer than the final indicated. I mean, the score was 9-0 at half-time and 12-0 at the start of the fourth. That’s a two score game. It’s hardly a blowout. One good drive puts it within either a point or two points at the half, or four to five points at the fourth (7-9 or 8-9 at half, or 7-12 or 8-12 at the 4th). That’s a close game.
I wasn’t worried, because I had no dog in the fight, but offenses can sputter all game and still have two good drives. Seattle’s offense, despite some good individual plays, didn’t score a touchdown until the fourth. It’s not like the game was out of reach mathematically if the Patriots suddenly found a rhythm before then. It certainly wouldn’t unheard of, even if the game wasn’t exactly tense. The Patriots’ defense played well enough that their offense should have been able to take a lead or at least compete for three quarters. I’d say that that was closer than the final indicated, definitely. It’s no insult to Seattle at all, who absolutely outplayed New England and earned the win in all three phases.
It was a record setting performance and put Meyers over the top for most points scored in a season. The kicker should have had it, those regular field goals made the Patriots desperate.
no kicker has ever won it and if there was a year to finally do it… as the others commented about being an all around win, then why not give it to meyers? walker’s last td was a garbage time score.
You mean the TD that Walker scored that was called back? Had it counted, he nearly would have had 190 yards rushing for the game. Like everyone has said it was a great team win. Walker, Meyers, Dickson, Witherspoon, Hall, Murphy, alot of good performances.
Will the Hawks retain Shaheed? Could he follow Kubiak to Vegas?
Because he is oft injured, franchise tag sounds appropriate. Worse case, Charbonnet will be back by 2027.
Saw him carrying the Super Bowl trophy today, John Schneider also threw small Jesus action figures at me
Well, at least you can sort of update your screen name now.