Kenneth Walker will reportedly get a chance to turn his postseason heroics into a big payday.
Walker ended his fourth season by steering the Seattle Seahawks to a championship. He became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP honors in the 21st century when amassing 151 yards in a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
Seattle can block Walker from hitting the open market by exercising the franchise tag. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Seahawks aren't expected to tag the 25-year-old.
The Seahawks have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to utilize the franchise tag. If they don't, Walker will be an unrestricted free agent when the new calendar year begins next Wednesday, March 11.
Walker headed for free agency
Schefter noted that Walker can join Dexter Jackson, Desmond Howard, and Larry Brown as the fourth Super Bowl MVP to begin the next season with a new team. Of course, the Seahawks can still bring back the former second-round pick.
The Seahawks would owe Walker approximately $14.3 million in 2026 if tagging him. Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Derrick Henry are the only NFL running backs with a higher average annual salary, and the Jets are reportedly tagging Breece Hall.
Spotrac estimates Walker's market value at $9 million, so the Seahawks may simply want him back at a lesser average annual value.
Walker amassed a career-high 1,309 scrimmage yards last season, matching a personal-best 4.6 yards per carry. With Zach Charbonnet injured, he carried the backfield to record 417 yards and four touchdowns in three playoff victories.
If he reaches free agency, Walker will stand out among the best available running backs alongside Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle, Rachaad White, and Brian Robinson. The Kansas City Chiefs are among the teams that could pursue a rushing upgrade this offseason.
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