Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to Hit Free Agency

Seahawks do not apply franchise tag, making running back an unrestricted free agent

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks did not apply the franchise tag on running back Kenneth Walker III, making the Super Bowl LX MVP an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins next week. Walker will hit the open market, while fellow running back Breece Hall was given the tag by the New York Jets.

Why it matters

If Walker finds a new home outside Seattle, he'd become just the fourth player to win Super Bowl MVP and begin the following season on a new team, joining an exclusive club that includes Larry Brown, Desmond Howard, and Dexter Jackson.

The details

Walker, 25, rushed for 135 yards in Seattle's 29-13 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots on Feb. 8. The 2022 second-round pick reached the end of his four-year rookie contract which saw the Seahawks pay him a total of $8.4 million. After rushing for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season, Walker amassed 313 yards and four scores over the Seahawks' three playoff games.

  • The deadline for teams to place a franchise tag on a player was Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
  • Hall and the Jets have until July 15 to hammer out a long-term contract or he will earn $14.293 million in 2026.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

A 25-year-old running back who was the Super Bowl LX MVP after rushing for 135 yards in the Seahawks' 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.

Breece Hall

A running back for the New York Jets who was given the franchise tag, meaning the Jets have until July 15 to sign him to a long-term contract.

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The takeaway

This story highlights the fluid nature of the NFL, where even a Super Bowl MVP can hit the open market the following season. It raises questions about the long-term stability of star players and the challenges teams face in retaining their top talent.