Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III may not receive a franchise tag and could hit free agency. For bettors, that boosts Walker's futures value if he lands a starting role elsewhere, while punters might consider fading Seattle's team rushing totals or RB workload props if the Seahawks draft a younger, cheaper back to split carries.
Kenneth Walker III's Future Uncertain After Super Bowl MVP Performance
Kenneth Walker III capped a breakout postseason by earning Super Bowl MVP after a 151-yard outing in a 29-13 title game win. Now 25, the running back faces an uncertain offseason as the Seahawks reportedly do not plan to use the one-year franchise tag for running backs, valued at roughly $14.1 million.
Franchise Tag, Timing and Cap Picture
Teams can begin applying franchise tags on March 3, and the Seahawks enter the 2026 offseason with more than $60 million in available salary-cap space. That cushion gives the club flexibility but also creates difficult choices with multiple impending free agents. Opting against the tag signals the team may look for a cheaper or younger option to carry the load.
2025 Production and Playoff Surge
Walker finished 2025 with a career-high 1,027 rushing yards but logged just 42.6% of the team's carries and five rushing touchdowns in the regular season because of a split with Zach Charbonnet. After Charbonnet suffered an ACL tear in the NFC Divisional Round, Walker became the primary ball-carrier, scoring three times in that blowout and exceeding 100 rushing yards in each of Seattle's three playoff games.
Player and Coach Reactions
Walker has expressed a desire to remain in Seattle: "I've been here four years... If it were my choice, though, I'd definitely stay." Coach Mike Macdonald echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team's desire to keep Walker: "Of course, we want Ken back... He's a phenomenal player. He's a great person. He's a great teammate."
Seahawks' Roster Strategy and Draft Implications
League observers expect the Seahawks to treat running back as a replaceable position, given the depth projected in the 2026 RB class and the club's strategic preference for cost-effective depth. That could mean targeting a Day 2 draft pick to replace or complement Walker rather than committing significant cap dollars to retain him.
What This Means for Seattle
If the Seahawks pursue a younger, cheaper replacement, Seattle's rushing attack could see a reduced established bell-cow workload and more committee-style carries. That strategy preserves cap flexibility but risks losing the continuity Walker provided late in the season.
Betting Implications — How Punters Should React
- Futures: Walker's potential free agency makes him an attractive futures target if he lands with a team likely to name him the clear lead back. Expect his ADP and market odds to move up if reports link him to a starting role.
- Team totals and props: Consider fading Seattle rushing totals and Walker-specific rushing props if the Seahawks draft or sign an RB expected to split carries.
- Injury and volatility risk: Charbonnet's ACL injury and Walker's sudden surge highlight volatility in RB markets—shop lines for rushing-yard and rushing TD props across sportsbooks.
- Draft impact: Early- to mid-day 2 RB picks for Seattle would likely depress Walker-related markets and boost bets on Seattle adopting a committee approach.
Bottom Line
Kenneth Walker III's Super Bowl MVP performance elevates his profile, but the Seahawks' reported decision against the franchise tag introduces real uncertainty.
Bettors should monitor roster moves and free-agency destinations closely; Walker could be a high-value pick in futures if he secures a primary role, while Seattle's rushing outlook may soften if the team opts for a younger, less expensive back.
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Seattle Seahawks star running back Kenneth Walker III may be on the move in free agency after the team doesn't seem poised to use the franchise tag on any player
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