Kenneth Walker III could be biggest beneficiary in David Montgomery trade to Texans

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III now has even more leverage before free agency begins on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. 

The Detroit Lions dealt running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans on Monday for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round selection. Now that another top RB is off the market, that only increases Walker's value before he's set to become a free agent. 

How David Montgomery trade benefits Kenneth Walker III 

The Seahawks were reportedly considering trading for Montgomery in case they fail to re-sign Walker in free agency. The Iowa State Cyclones product would've been a solid replacement. 

In three seasons with the Lions, he and fellow RB Jahmyr Gibbs formed an elite backfield tandem nicknamed "Sonic and Knuckles." Despite splitting carries, Montgomery ranked 17th in the NFL in rushing yards (2,506) and eighth in rushing touchdowns (33) during this span, via StatMuse.

Now that Knuckles is flying solo, the Seahawks may have to pay even more for Walker in free agency. The Dallas Cowboys set the bar for free-agent RBs when they re-signed Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24M deal. The Seahawks star could command a higher salary. 

In 2025, Walker ranked 16th in the NFL in rushing yards (1,027 yards) during the regular season. In a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, the RB ran for 135 yards on 27 carries, winning the game's MVP. 

The Seahawks are reportedly unwilling to use the franchise tag (a one-year, guaranteed deal) on Walker before Tuesday's deadline at 4 p.m. ET, which should increase their sense of urgency in contract negotiations with the RB. If both parties fail to reach an agreement, another team (Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs) would swoop in and sign him to a multiyear deal. 

Walker is the top option in a thin free-agent RB class. New York Jets RB Breece Hall (1,065 rushing yards in 2025, No. 15 in the NFL) and Carolina Panthers RB Rico Dowdle (1,076 rushing yards, No. 14 in the NFL) may be the only other backs who move the needle. 

Hall, though, may not reach free agency. Per ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets plan to use the franchise or transition tag on the RB if they don't re-sign him to a long-term deal.   

The Lions and Texans hope they win the Montgomery trade, but the biggest benefactor may be Walker. It now looks even more likely he'll secure a payday this offseason.