Report: Seahawks Close To Finalizing Kenneth Walker Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 1:07 PM ET

Kenneth Walker III could attempt to parlay his Super Bowl 60 heroics into a big payday this offseason.

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly won't take measures to block the running back from reaching the open market. ESPN's Adam Schefter called it "unlikely" that they'll franchise tag the Super Bowl 60 MVP.

Rashid Shaheed, Riq Woolen, Boye Mafe, and Coby Bryant are among the team's other notable free agents, and they are also eligible to extend superstar wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Will Seahawks keep Walker?

INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 04: Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball during an NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams on December 04, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Walker flourished during his fourth season in Seattle, tallying a career-high 1,309 scrimmage yards. However, he particularly sent a strong message to suitors during the playoffs.

The former second-round pick began his postseason by amassing 145 yards and three touchdowns in a dominant NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. Walker gained 111 yards and a touchdown in the NFC Championship Game before the Seahawks handed him a heavy Super Bowl workload.

Seattle gave Walker 27 carries, which the 25-year-old turned into 135 yards during a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots. He became the first running back to garner Super Bowl MVP honors since Terrell Davis in 1997.

That should earn Walker considerable goodwill in Seattle, but reportedly not enough for the organization to spend over $14 million and use its lone franchise tag. Spotrac estimates his annual market value at $9 million.

Seattle's backfield wouldn't be empty without Walker. A knee injury kept him out of the Super Bowl, but Zach Charbonnet scored 12 rushing touchdowns during his third season.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider joked during their Super Bowl parade that Walker attempted to negotiate a new deal during the celebration. Before they won a championship at Santa Clara, Schneider expressed a desire to keep Walker in Seattle.

"For his future? Ken has been awesome," Schneider told Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune. "... Maybe a little bit more decisive the last month and a half. He's a free agent. We'd love to have him back."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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