Seahawks' Kenneth Walker Unlikely to Re-Sign, Boosting Chiefs, Steelers, Broncos

The star running back is expected to command over $13 million annually, pricing him out of Seattle's range.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 10:10pm

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker is unlikely to re-sign with the team, as his market value of over $13 million annually is too high for the Seahawks. This development is great news for the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos, who are all expected to pursue Walker in free agency.

Why it matters

Walker's departure from Seattle would leave a significant hole in the Seahawks' backfield, while providing an opportunity for the Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos to add a top-tier running back to bolster their offenses.

The details

According to reports, the Seahawks have been hoping to re-sign Walker, the Super Bowl MVP, but his asking price is out of their range. The Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos all have the cap space and need at running back to potentially sign Walker, who averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season.

  • On March 5, 2026, reports surfaced that Walker is unlikely to re-sign with the Seahawks.

The players

Kenneth Walker

A star running back for the Seattle Seahawks who is expected to command over $13 million annually in free agency.

Patrick Mahomes

The quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, who could benefit from the addition of Walker to their backfield.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who could target Walker to replace the potential departure of Kenneth Gainwell.

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What they’re saying

“The Seattle Seahawks are hoping to sign Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III on a new contract before the running back hits free agency, but that is unlikely to happen. Sources close to the team say his market value, which will be in excess of $13 million annually, is out of their price range.”

— Tony Pauline, EssentiallySports reporter

What’s next

The Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos are expected to be among the teams actively pursuing Kenneth Walker in free agency, which begins on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The potential departure of Kenneth Walker from the Seahawks presents a significant opportunity for the Chiefs, Steelers, and Broncos to add a top-tier running back to their rosters, potentially shifting the balance of power in the NFL.