Posted on Feb 17

Seahawks unlikely to tag RB Kenneth Walker III as free agency approaches

Posted Feb 17, 2026

The Seattle Seahawks face critical decisions regarding running back Kenneth Walker III as he enters free agency for the first time.

Why it matters: Walker's impending free agency represents a pivotal moment for the Seahawks, who are weighing their options for retaining a key player while managing other contract negotiations.

After an impressive season culminating in a Super Bowl MVP award, Walker is poised to command significant interest on the open market.
The team's decision not to franchise tag him could impact their overall strategy and roster composition moving forward.

What’s new: The Seahawks have indicated they are unlikely to use a franchise or transition tag on Walker.

The franchise tag for running backs is projected to cost $14.5 million, while the transition tag would come in at approximately $11.7 million.
Historically, under general manager John Schneider, the Seahawks have rarely utilized the franchise tag, having done so only twice in 16 seasons.

By the numbers: Walker had a standout season that included remarkable postseason performance.

He rushed for 1,027 yards on 221 carries during the regular season, scoring five touchdowns and ranking sixth in the league with 33 rushes of 10 or more yards.
His playoff performance was equally impressive; after becoming the lead back due to Zach Charbonnet's torn ACL, Walker accumulated 417 scrimmage yards and earned the Super Bowl MVP title—making him the first running back to win the award since Terrell Davis in Super Bowl XXXII.

Yes, but: While Walker’s performance makes a compelling case for his re-signing, the Seahawks must balance multiple player contracts, including that of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

With several free agents to negotiate and Charbonnet's recovery from injury being a factor, the organization faces challenges in maximizing its roster potential.

What to watch: The upcoming weeks will be crucial as teams navigate the complexities of free agency and the draft.

Watch how the Seahawks prioritize their negotiations, particularly with Walker's performance fresh in mind, against the backdrop of their financial strategies and other contractual obligations.

The bottom line: As Kenneth Walker III approaches unrestricted free agency, his future with the Seahawks hangs in the balance, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges faced by the organization in building a competitive team.

Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these developments, knowing that the outcome could significantly influence the team's offensive scheme and overall success in the coming seasons.

Seahawks unlikely to tag RB Kenneth Walker III as free agency approaches

Alex Parker

Posted Feb 17, 2026

The Seattle Seahawks face critical decisions regarding running back Kenneth Walker III as he enters free agency for the first time.

Why it matters: Walker's impending free agency represents a pivotal moment for the Seahawks, who are weighing their options for retaining a key player while managing other contract negotiations.

After an impressive season culminating in a Super Bowl MVP award, Walker is poised to command significant interest on the open market.

The team's decision not to franchise tag him could impact their overall strategy and roster composition moving forward.

What’s new: The Seahawks have indicated they are unlikely to use a franchise or transition tag on Walker.

The franchise tag for running backs is projected to cost $14.5 million, while the transition tag would come in at approximately $11.7 million.

Historically, under general manager John Schneider, the Seahawks have rarely utilized the franchise tag, having done so only twice in 16 seasons.

By the numbers: Walker had a standout season that included remarkable postseason performance.

He rushed for 1,027 yards on 221 carries during the regular season, scoring five touchdowns and ranking sixth in the league with 33 rushes of 10 or more yards.

His playoff performance was equally impressive; after becoming the lead back due to Zach Charbonnet's torn ACL, Walker accumulated 417 scrimmage yards and earned the Super Bowl MVP title—making him the first running back to win the award since Terrell Davis in Super Bowl XXXII.

Yes, but: While Walker’s performance makes a compelling case for his re-signing, the Seahawks must balance multiple player contracts, including that of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

With several free agents to negotiate and Charbonnet's recovery from injury being a factor, the organization faces challenges in maximizing its roster potential.

What to watch: The upcoming weeks will be crucial as teams navigate the complexities of free agency and the draft.

Watch how the Seahawks prioritize their negotiations, particularly with Walker's performance fresh in mind, against the backdrop of their financial strategies and other contractual obligations.

Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these developments, knowing that the outcome could significantly influence the team's offensive scheme and overall success in the coming seasons.