Seahawks GM Committed to Re-Signing Star RB Kenneth Walker

Seattle GM John Schneider says the team "would love to have Ken back" despite the high cost.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider expressed the team's desire to re-sign star running back Kenneth Walker III, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Walker had a breakout playoff performance, including a Super Bowl MVP award, making him a top priority for the Seahawks despite the expected high price tag to retain him.

Why it matters

Keeping Walker is crucial for the Seahawks' offense after his teammate Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending injury. Walker's explosive production in the playoffs has raised his value, but the Seahawks have limited salary cap space and other key free agents to re-sign.

The details

Walker rushed for 313 yards and 4 touchdowns in the playoffs, including a 135-yard, Super Bowl MVP performance. The Seahawks are not planning to use the franchise tag on Walker, but re-signing him will likely require a deal in the $10 million per year range, surpassing the recent $8 million per year contract signed by Cowboys RB Javonte Williams. Seattle has $63.24 million in salary cap space, but also has other important free agents to re-sign.

  • On Feb. 8, 2026, Kenneth Walker III won Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 135 yards in the Seahawks' 29-13 win over the New England Patriots.
  • In the Seahawks' Divisional Round playoff win over the 49ers, Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending ACL tear, increasing the importance of re-signing Walker.

The players

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks who has expressed the team's desire to re-sign running back Kenneth Walker III.

Kenneth Walker III

The Seahawks' star running back who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after a breakout playoff performance, including winning Super Bowl MVP.

Zach Charbonnet

The Seahawks' running back who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the playoffs, making it even more crucial for the team to re-sign Kenneth Walker III.

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What they’re saying

“We'd love to have Ken back.”

— John Schneider, Seahawks General Manager (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Seahawks will need to negotiate a new contract with Kenneth Walker III before the start of free agency. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, the team may consider using the franchise tag to retain Walker.

The takeaway

Keeping Kenneth Walker III is a top priority for the Seahawks this offseason, but it will come at a significant cost. The team must balance re-signing Walker with their other key free agents, as they look to build on their Super Bowl LX championship.