Kenneth Walker III Discusses Future With Seattle Seahawks

Star running back weighs in on potential return to the team after Super Bowl

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent interview, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III commented on his future with the team as he prepares to become an unrestricted free agent after the Super Bowl. Walker expressed his desire to remain in Seattle, where he has played for the past four seasons, but acknowledged that the decision is not entirely up to him.

Why it matters

The Seahawks have historically been hesitant to offer big second contracts to running backs, even those who have been highly productive for the team. Walker's future with the Seahawks could have major implications for the team's offensive identity and success, as he has emerged as a critical part of their offensive attack.

The details

Walker said, "I've been here four years, so you know I've gotten to know a lot of stuff about Seattle, and you know a lot of the city, and I feel like they feel good about me as well. So if it was my choice, though, I'd definitely stay." However, Seahawks general manager John Schneider has a history of low-balling great players, and the team may be unwilling to pay Walker the significant raise he has earned on the open market.

  • The Super Bowl will be played on February 6, 2026.
  • Walker will become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026, following the Super Bowl.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

A star running back for the Seattle Seahawks who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the Super Bowl.

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, known for his history of low-balling great players during contract negotiations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've been here four years, so you know I've gotten to know a lot of stuff about Seattle, and you know a lot of the city, and I feel like they feel good about me as well. So if it was my choice, though, I'd definitely stay.”

— Kenneth Walker III, Running Back (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Seahawks will need to decide whether to re-sign Walker to a new contract or allow him to test free agency after the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges teams face in retaining star running backs, even those who have been critical to their offensive success. The Seahawks will need to carefully weigh the value Walker brings to their team against their historical reluctance to offer big second contracts to running backs.