Entering the 2026 NFL offseason, the Seattle Seahawks had to make a very big decision with running back Kenneth Walker. While they could bring him back, it won't be easy.
While agreeing to an extension before free agency is unlikely, they could place the franchise or transition tag to ensure the Super Bowl 60 MVP doesn't leave Seattle.
However, according to ESPN insider Peter Schrager, the Seahawks are not expected to place any tag on Walker, meaning the star running back is going to hit free agency this offseason.
Seahawks expected to make unfortunate Kenneth Walker decision
"Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker will not be getting the franchise tag today, per sources," Schrager reports. "He will become a pure unrestricted free agent at the start of the league year."
Walker isn't going to be forced to stay in Seattle, as the New York Jets did with Breece Hall, their own star running back set to be a free agent. Hall was tagged by the Jets on a one-year, $14.293 million contract.
The Seahawks could've done that or placed an $11.7 million transition tag on Walker to keep him in Seattle. But, they're doing neither, according to Schrager, as Walker will be a free agent without any restrictions.
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After a 1,027 rushing-yard season with five touchdowns in a split backfield with Zach Charbonnet, Walker had to take over in the playoffs and put up some incredible numbers.
He totaled 417 yards from scrimmage to go with four rushing touchdowns. Add on his Super Bowl MVP, and Walker was an integral piece of the puzzle for the Seahawks in their Super Bowl run.
Walker is now set to be an unrestricted free agent, with the odds of Walker signing elsewhere increasing with Seattle's tight cap situation with looming contracts for Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon.
This report from Schrager isn't a good one for any fans who want Walker to stay in Seattle. He's the best running back on the open market and will surely land a massive deal this offseason from a contender like the Kansas City Chiefs or Washington Commanders.
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