The price of Super Bowl LX glory is hitting the Seattle Seahawks hard in the 2026 offseason. Despite Kenneth Walker III earning Super Bowl MVP honors in their 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots on February 8, 2026, the team is unlikely to use the franchise tag on the explosive running back, per ESPN’s reporting (February 17, 2026).
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) carries the ball against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) carries the ball against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Seahawks Unlikely to Franchise Tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III: Free Agency Looms Amid Cap Crunch
Walker, 25, is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career when the new league year begins March 11, 2026. The non-exclusive franchise tag for running backs is projected at around $12.5–$13 million for 2026 (based on the average of the top five RB salaries), but Seattle faces significant cap constraints and competing priorities in the secondary.
Why the Franchise Tag Is Unlikely
ESPN notes that the Seahawks are prioritizing other high-value free agents, particularly in the secondary:
Safety Coby Bryant (predicted by Fox Sports’ Greg Auman to sign with the Raiders)
Cornerback Tariq Woolen (a top-50 free agent projected at $15M+ AAV)
Both played pivotal roles in Seattle’s elite defense (No. 1 in scoring defense, No. 3 in rushing defense during the 2025 regular season and playoffs), and retaining at least one could require big money. The franchise tag can only be used on one player per team, forcing tough choices.
Walker’s playoff heroics—highlighted by his MVP performance in Super Bowl LX—boosted his market value dramatically, but the Seahawks may opt to let him test free agency rather than commit to a one-year, high-salary tag that could block longer-term deals for other core pieces.
Walker’s 2025 Season & Super Bowl Impact
Walker delivered a breakout postseason run after a solid regular season:
Rushed for 1,027 yards and 5 touchdowns in the regular season.
Ran for 313 yards and 4 touchdowns in the playoffs
Rushed 27 times in the Super Bowl against the Patriots for 135 yards.
His dual-threat ability (speed, vision, receiving skills) made him a nightmare for defenses, and he enters free agency as one of the most coveted running backs available—especially in a relatively thin RB class.
Potential Landing Spots & Market Outlook
If Seattle doesn’t tag or extend him, Walker could command a multi-year deal in the $12–15M AAV range from contenders needing a lead back.
The Seahawks could still pursue a long-term extension before free agency opens, but the franchise tag decision signals they’re preparing to let him walk if negotiations stall.
This move underscores the harsh reality of NFL success: winning the Super Bowl often forces painful cap decisions the following spring. Seattle’s defense carried them to the title, but keeping that unit intact may mean saying goodbye to their Super Bowl MVP running back.
Seahawks fans: Realistic to let Walker walk, or must they find a way to keep him? Where do you see him landing if he hits the market? Share your thoughts below—this offseason is already full of tough calls in the Pacific Northwest!
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