The Seahawks' move not to apply the franchise tag to their Super Bowl MVP running back likely pushes him toward free agency, boosting odds he signs elsewhere as a feature back. Punters should consider player-season props (rushing yards, TDs) over on teams that employ him as the primary ball carrier.
Seahawks Opt Against Franchise Tag for Super Bowl MVP Running Back
The Seahawks appear set to decline using their franchise tag on the running back who exploded in the postseason, despite a 135-yard Super Bowl performance that earned him MVP honors. The team’s reported focus on a costly wide receiver extension and other roster priorities has tightened available salary-cap space, leaving the one-year tag off the table for now.
What the Decision Means for the Player
The running back’s postseason dominance — 417 rushing yards in the playoffs and a 135-yard Super Bowl outing — dramatically raises his market value. His expanded role followed a teammate’s ACL injury late in the playoffs, turning him into the offense’s primary ball carrier and showcasing what he can do as a feature back. That tape will attract suitors once free agency opens.
Seahawks’ Roster and Cap Priorities
With a premium placed on extending elite receivers and addressing multiple impending free agents, the Seahawks face limited financial flexibility. Choosing not to franchise-tag a running back can signal confidence in reaching a long-term deal at a sustainable price, or an acceptance that the one-year, high-cost tag is unaffordable given other needs.
Market Ramifications and Team Interest
Franchises that value a bell-cow runner will likely circle this player aggressively. His playoff performance provides the most compelling evidence teams look for: production in high-pressure games against top defenses. For teams in search of an immediate rushing upgrade, he represents a short-list candidate whose asking price could outstrip market norms for the position.
How This Affects Free-Agency Strategy Around the League
General managers will weigh positional value, cap room, and roster construction. Many teams de-emphasize paying running backs top-market money, but a recent Super Bowl MVP performance can shift perceptions—especially for clubs that believe a dominant back can elevate a championship window.
Betting Implications for Punters
This development has clear betting angles. If he hits free agency and lands as a primary back on a high-tempo offense, expect upticks in odds on season rushing-yardage and rushing-TD props. Futures markets for rushing leaderboards and team rushing totals could also move. Conversely, landing in a committee or cap-tight environment would depress his counting stats — a scenario to avoid for over bets.
Key Betting Tips
- Monitor destination: landing spot will be the biggest indicator for props and futures.
- Favor over-market on per-season rushing yards and TDs if he joins a team that commits to a lead-back role.
- Avoid long-term player props until role and offensive scheme are confirmed.
- Consider futures linked to team rushing performance only after the free-agency dust settles.
Player Profile and Outlook
At 25, the running back combined regular-season workload sharing with a playoff breakout. Regular-season figures were solid but not stellar, masked by a timeshare, while postseason play revealed the ceiling of a feature back. His age and championship pedigree make him an attractive target for teams planning immediate contention.
Conclusion
The Seahawks’ decision not to use the franchise tag shifts this narrative from a one-year hold to a market-driven free agent story. For teams and bettors alike, the coming weeks’ destination and role will determine both contract outcomes and betting value.
Sam Darnold slips again in NFL quarterback power rankings after another dud
Reigning champions risk losing star running back to free agency as contract priorities pile up Leer
Marca Claro
