Why Multiple Teams Including Seahawks Hesitate to Sign Kenneth Walker

This NFL Free Agency is going to determine much about all 32 teams and many players. During the beginning of free agency last year, the Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf to other teams and then signed quarterback Sam Darnold and edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. Those moves would define the Seahawks as competing for a Super Bowl title.

The beginning of this year’s free agency could define how the Seahawks attempt to get back to the Super Bowl. Some players could be looking for a huge deal this offseason, which could result in some stars not returning to the Seahawks. Among those players in danger of leaving are running back/Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who could be more expensive for teams outside of Seattle.

Walker Could Reach Too High an Asking Price

Kenneth Walker in Super Bowl LX — Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) carries the ball against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The price to obtain some of the top running backs this offseason is incredibly high. The New York Jets put a franchise tag on running back Breece Hall for nearly $14.3 million. There is a possibility that Walker could set the market ceiling even more at $15 million, according to The Athletic's senior writer Dan Duggan.

The idea of Walker asking for $15 million annually could turn off teams from signing him to a long-term deal. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and the Washington Commanders are among the teams interested in signing Walker to a long-term deal. It is unclear if those games would be willing to pay that much to Walker, but they are desperate to find some success and momentum.

Possibility of Walker Returning to Seahawks

Kenneth Walker with the Lombardi Trophy — Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Seahawks are going to remain in the hunt to re-sign their star running back until it is officially over. Seattle has the sixth-most salary cap space available at $53 million, according to Spotrac. This is enough for the Seahawks to pay Walker and take care of some business with other players in free agency and some of their incoming rookies.

The Seahawks, however, will have other important objectives like creating contract extensions for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. There are likely other extensions that the Seahawks will focus on.

General manager John Schneider wants Walker and other free agents back, but not at the cost of an expensive franchise tag and a top-of-the-market deal that is going to completely limit the Seahawks’ spending for the next few years.

There is a possibility that Walker could be a free agent for a few days as the team mulls thinking about paying among the top three running backs in the league.

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