The Seattle Seahawks have a big decision to make on running back Kenneth Walker this offseason.
Walker is a pending free agent and is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro that culminated with Walker being a playoff hero and winning the Super Bowl MVP. That means Walker is going to get rewarded handsomely in free agency.
The good news is, the Seahawks are flush with cap space, so they can afford anything he commands, although the Seahawks aren't just going to hand Walker a blank check.
There has been a thought that perhaps the Seahawks would utilize the franchise tag on Walker, which would give the team more time to work out a long-term deal if needed.
However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Seahawks are unlikely to take that route with Walker.
What it means for Walker
Of course, this doesn't mean that Walker won't return to Seattle, but it does remove a safeguard that would prevent the veteran running back from hitting the open market.
And, if the Seahawks don't lock Walker up and he hits free agency, that increases the odds he leaves for another team.
A bidding war between Seattle and other suitors could very well drive up Walker's price, and if that price gets high enough, the Seahawks might opt to let him walk.
We do believe that Walker and the Seahawks will ultimately get something done, but without the franchise tag, there's now a better chance he plays elsewhere in 2026.
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