Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Chiefs Bluntly Called Out After Decision to Sign Super Bowl Champ Kenneth Walker

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 3:00 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs finished 6-11 last season and the backfield was a big part of the problem. That appears to be changing. Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III has agreed to terms with Kansas City in free agency, giving the Chiefs the running back they have been missing for years.

Walker comes off a 1,000-yard rushing season with the Seattle Seahawks, his second in four years, averaging 4.4 yards per carry with 31 touchdowns over his career. His workload in Seattle never exceeded 250 rushes or 300 total touches in a single season but Kansas City is betting that changes.

The Chiefs have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt in 2017 and last season Hunt led the team with just 611 yards. The deal reflects that sense of urgency. Three years worth up to $45 million with $28.7 million guaranteed.

Former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III runs the ball against New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams during Super Bowl LX.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Not everyone is sold on that number, though. CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco pushed back on the contract during a recent segment on CBS Sports HQ, questioning whether Walker's body of work justifies the price tag.

"There is a lot of talk out there that this is not a great draft for running backs, so I'll give you that. So maybe that had some kind of influence on them to make a decision that way," Prisco said.

"But I just thought, I'm not paying a running back that kind of money, particularly a guy who, for most of last year, was just a guy. And for most of his career, has had injury problems and been just a guy. He was great in the playoffs. You can't take that away from him."

"I'm not paying a running back that kind of money... For most of (Kenneth Walker) career, he's had injury problems and just been a guy."@PriscoCBS is not enthusiastic about the Chiefs signing RB Kenneth Walker III. pic.twitter.com/MSza4PVLvv
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) March 9, 2026

It is a fair debate. Walker had his moments, especially when it counted in January, but consistency has been an issue throughout his career. That said, the Chiefs had their own problems to solve.

Patrick Mahomes has been carrying the full weight of this offense for too long, handling both the passing and rushing load while the running back room offered little behind him. Walker's arrival changes that dynamic.

At nearly $15 million per year Kansas City is making a clear statement about where they want this offense to go, more balanced and less reliant on Mahomes doing everything.

It also takes the pressure off the draft. With a starter now locked in at running back the Chiefs do not need to reach for one at No. 9 in the 2026 NFL Draft. The front office can approach those early picks differently knowing that position is handled.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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