The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl run culminated in a historic victory at Super Bowl LX, but the future of their star running back, Kenneth Walker III, remains uncertain. Reports indicate the team is not expected to leverage the franchise tag on the 25-year-aged, potentially opening the door for him to test free agency. This news, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday, marks a significant development for the reigning Super Bowl MVP and the Seahawks’ plans for the upcoming season.
Walker III’s journey to the pinnacle of professional football is a testament to resilience. He earned the MVP honor after a dominant performance in Super Bowl LX, gaining 135 yards on 27 carries as the Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium. ESPN detailed his emotional story, revealing he nearly had his football career cut short in high school due to blood clots in both lungs. “When a doctor told me I couldn’t play no more, I just thought football was over,” Walker said, according to ESPN. His ability to overcome such a serious health scare and reach the highest level of the sport adds another layer to his compelling narrative.
Seahawks are not expected to franchise tag RB Kenneth Walker III, per source. He will likely hit free agency and would become just the fourth Super Bowl MVP to not return to his team the next season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 8, 2026
A Rising Star Facing Free Agency
Drafted by Seattle in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Michigan State, Walker III quickly established himself as a key component of the Seahawks’ offense. Over his career, he has amassed 3,555 rushing yards on 821 carries with 29 touchdowns, adding 1,005 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, according to his Wikipedia profile. His recent success includes a second 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025, achieving 1,027 yards while playing in all 17 regular-season games for the first time. He followed that up with a remarkable playoff run, totaling 417 rushing yards and four touchdowns across three games.
The decision not to franchise tag Walker III is a notable one, especially considering his recent performance and Super Bowl MVP award. The franchise tag would have guaranteed him a one-year contract at a predetermined salary, but it as well would have prevented him from testing the open market. By allowing him to become a free agent, the Seahawks risk losing a dynamic player who has become a fan favorite. If Walker III does sign with another team, he would become only the fourth Super Bowl MVP in history not to return to his championship-winning team the following season.
What Does This Signify for the Seahawks?
The Seahawks’ decision likely hinges on a combination of factors, including their salary cap situation and their evaluation of Walker III’s long-term value. The team may believe that the cost of retaining him via the franchise tag or a long-term contract is too high, or they may be confident in their ability to find a capable replacement in the draft or free agency. The team may also be prioritizing other positions or players in their offseason plans.
The potential departure of Walker III could significantly impact the Seahawks’ offensive strategy. He has proven to be a versatile runner, capable of both power and speed, and his ability to contribute in the passing game adds another dimension to the offense. Finding a player who can replicate his production will be a key challenge for the Seahawks’ front office.
The Market for a Super Bowl MVP
Walker III’s availability is expected to generate significant interest from teams across the league. Several teams could be in the market for a running back, and the opportunity to sign a Super Bowl MVP is likely to be highly attractive. Reports suggest the Seahawks may face a bidding war for his services. His age – 25 as of October 20, 2026 – makes him an attractive option for teams looking for a long-term solution at running back.
The situation bears watching as the NFL free agency period approaches. The Seahawks’ next move will undoubtedly shape their offensive identity and their pursuit of continued success following their Super Bowl LX triumph. The team has not yet commented publicly beyond Schefter’s report, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate on their plans.
The NFL free agency period is scheduled to begin on March 18, 2026, marking the first official opportunity for Walker III to negotiate with other teams. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring developments as the situation unfolds.
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