It was inevitable, but the Seattle Seahawks have lost Super Bowl MVP and running back Kenneth Walker III in the wake of the NFL’s legal tampering window opening up. Walker and the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a three-year, $43.05 million with the possibility of being $45 million.
The Seahawks and Walker say they wanted to remain together, but it came down to money. It was clear that general manager John Schneider wasn’t willing to use the franchise tag or pay Walker top-tier money.
Where do the Seahawks Turn to?
Travis Etienne for the Jacksonville Jagaurs in 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) rushes for yards during the third quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Seahawks have a bigger problem when it comes to their running backs. Not only is Walker set to leave Seattle, but second-string running back Zach Charbonnet will be out for a large portion of the 2026 NFL Season while he recovers from a torn ACL.
Seattle should now focus their intentions on a top-tier running back that can carry the bulk of the carries in the backfield. One option the team should turn to is Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, who is coming off a career year.
In 17 games this past season for the Jaguars, Etienne rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns on 260 carries. He also caught 36 receptions for 292 yards and six touchdowns.
— Enjoy free coverage of the Super Bowl champions from Seattle Seahawks On SI —
Sign Up For the Seahawks Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Seattle Seahawks Newsletter