Chiefs Sign Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to Record Deal

The former Seahawks running back will bring much-needed explosiveness to Kansas City's backfield.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, making it the most lucrative free agent deal for a running back in NFL history. Walker, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, is expected to provide a major boost to the Chiefs' running game, which has lacked explosiveness in recent seasons.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' running game has been a weakness in recent years, ranking near the bottom of the league in explosive plays. Bringing in Walker, one of the most dynamic young running backs in the NFL, should help balance the Chiefs' offense and take pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a significant knee injury.

The details

Walker, a second-round pick in 2022, had a breakout season with the Seahawks in 2025, rushing for 1,027 yards and 5 touchdowns in the regular season before dominating in the playoffs and being named Super Bowl MVP. The Chiefs view him as a perfect fit for their offense, with his explosive, elusive running style complementing their stellar interior offensive line.

  • The Chiefs agreed to terms with Walker shortly after the start of the NFL's free agency legal tampering period on March 9, 2026.
  • The deal will become official when the new league year begins on March 13, 2026.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

A 25-year-old running back who was the 2022 second-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks and the reigning Super Bowl MVP.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback who is recovering from a significant knee injury suffered late in the 2025 season.

Eric Bieniemy

The Chiefs' offensive coordinator who previously served as the Chicago Bears' running backs coach.

Brett Veach

The Chiefs' general manager who prioritized upgrading the team's running game this offseason.

Kingsley Suamataia

The Chiefs' starting left guard, part of the team's stellar interior offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“This is a big win for the Chiefs because not only does it allow them to have more balance to their offensive firepower, but they actually accomplished what they set out to accomplish on Day 1 of free agency.”

— Nate Taylor, ESPN Chiefs beat reporter (96.5 The Fan)

“With Mahomes coming off the most significant injury of his career, you have to make it easy on the playcaller and you have to make it easier on the quarterback.”

— Nate Taylor, ESPN Chiefs beat reporter (96.5 The Fan)

What’s next

The Chiefs will officially sign Walker to his record-breaking contract when the new league year begins on March 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' aggressive pursuit and signing of Kenneth Walker III signals a clear commitment to upgrading their running game and supporting Patrick Mahomes' recovery from injury. This move could pay major dividends in helping the Chiefs maintain their status as one of the NFL's elite offenses.