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Seahawks Hesitate to Pay Top Dollar for Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker
Multiple teams interested in signing the star running back, but his high asking price could price him out of Seattle
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP, is expected to command a high price in free agency this offseason, potentially up to $15 million per year. This has caused the Seahawks and other interested teams like the Giants, Titans, and Commanders to hesitate on signing Walker to a long-term deal, as they are unsure if they can afford his market-setting asking price. The Seahawks have the salary cap space to re-sign Walker, but also have other key players they need to extend, so they may let him test the open market for a few days before deciding if they can match the top offers.
Why it matters
The Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl championship and want to keep their core together, but Walker's high price tag could force them to let him walk in free agency. This would be a major blow to their offense and championship aspirations, as Walker was a key part of their title run. Other teams are interested in signing Walker, but may also balk at his asking price, potentially leaving him without a long-term deal initially.
The details
Walker is expected to command a contract worth around $15 million per year, which would make him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. This is a steep price tag that has caused the Seahawks and other interested teams to hesitate. The Seahawks have the sixth-most salary cap space in the league at $53 million, but they also need to extend other key players like wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. General manager John Schneider wants to keep Walker, but not at the cost of severely limiting the team's spending in other areas.
- The 2023 NFL free agency period begins on March 15, 2023.
The players
Kenneth Walker III
The Seattle Seahawks' star running back and Super Bowl MVP.
John Schneider
The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seahawks' star wide receiver who is due for a contract extension.
Devon Witherspoon
The Seahawks' star cornerback who is due for a contract extension.
What they’re saying
“The idea of Walker asking for $15 million annually could turn off teams from signing him to a long-term deal.”
— Dan Duggan, Senior Writer, The Athletic (The Athletic)
“The New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and the Washington Commanders are among the teams interested in signing Walker to a long-term deal.”
— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)
What’s next
The Seahawks will have to decide in the coming days and weeks whether they can afford to match the top offers Walker receives in free agency, or if they will have to let him test the open market and potentially leave Seattle.
The takeaway
The Seahawks are in a difficult position, as they want to keep their Super Bowl-winning core together, but Kenneth Walker's high asking price may price him out of Seattle. This highlights the challenges teams face in retaining star players while also managing the salary cap and extending other key contributors.
