Seahawks Urged to Reward Kenneth Walker III for Playoff Heroics

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After helping carry the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl with standout playoff performances, NFL.com's Kevin Patra is urging the team to sign running back Kenneth Walker III to a contract extension this offseason. Walker, who split time with Zach Charbonnet during the regular season, stepped up in a big way when Charbonnet went down with an injury, putting up over 100 yards from scrimmage in both the NFC Divisional and Championship games. With Charbonnet's torn ACL, the Seahawks can't afford to let Walker walk in free agency, especially after his heroics helped the team reach the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

Retaining Kenneth Walker III is crucial for the Seahawks, as he proved to be a difference-maker in the playoffs and will be needed to anchor the backfield with Zach Charbonnet's injury. Letting him leave in free agency would be a major blow to Seattle's offense and their chances of winning the Super Bowl.

The details

Before the playoffs, Walker was an interesting free agent candidate for the Seahawks after rushing for 1,027 yards and 5 touchdowns in the regular season. But when Charbonnet went down, Walker stepped up in a big way. He had 116 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 29 receiving yards against the 49ers in the Divisional round. Against the Rams in the NFC Championship, he had 62 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, and 49 receiving yards. His strong postseason play has made him a priority for the Seahawks to re-sign this offseason.

• In the NFC Divisional round against the 49ers, Walker had 116 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 29 receiving yards.
• In the NFC Championship game against the Rams, Walker had 62 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, and 49 receiving yards.

What they’re saying

What’s next

If Kenneth Walker III has another strong performance in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, the Seahawks will be even more compelled to sign him to a contract extension this offseason.