The Seattle Seahawks are coming off their Super Bowl 60 win, where Kenneth Walker III delivered a legendary performance and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. It felt like a long-term extension for the star running back was only a matter of time after carrying the offense on the biggest stage.
But things may not be so simple. A recent revelation suggests the Seahawks’ franchise-tag decision on Walker could shock fans.
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Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald and running back Kenneth Walker III
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to ESPN’s latest report, the Seattle Seahawks are not expected to place the franchise tag on Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. The star running back is set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time this March after completing the final season of his rookie deal.
The Seahawks are “unlikely” to use their franchise tag on Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, per @AdamSchefter.
Walker is slated to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in March after playing the final year of his rookie contract. pic.twitter.com/nYqTRR8c5I
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 17, 2026
The report clearly says, “The Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to use either a franchise or transition tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.”
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The reported franchise tag decision on Walker may also come down to several internal factors for the Seahawks. With several pending free agents the front office hopes to retain, Seattle could be weighing its financial flexibility across the roster. The team is also expected to explore a contract extension for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which may further influence how they approach Walker’s situation.
Or Walker’s contract demands could also be a factor in the extension talks. During the team’s Super Bowl parade, team executive John Schneider described a brief exchange he had with Walker. “He actually tried to negotiate with me just five minutes ago. It was pretty strange,” Schneider said, drawing laughter before breaking into an “MVP! MVP!” chant that the crowd soon echoed.
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But Seattle may think twice about letting Kenneth Walker walk, given his production. He recorded 221 rushing attempts for 1,027 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry across the season. Walker also finished with 1,309 total yards from scrimmage.
If the recent revelation from Schefter and ESPN insiders proves true, it would shock Seattle Seahawks fans after Kenneth Walker’s Super Bowl MVP run. But it would also make free agency far more intriguing.
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