Raiders Eyeing Reunion with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker?

New Raiders coach Klint Kubiak could look to add Seahawks RB to backfield with Ashton Jeanty.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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With the Las Vegas Raiders hiring Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, there is speculation that the team could pursue free agent running back Kenneth Walker, who won Super Bowl MVP under Kubiak's offensive coordination with the Seattle Seahawks. Kubiak has praised Walker's abilities and the two could form a dynamic backfield duo alongside second-year Raider Ashton Jeanty, who was a first-round pick in 2025.

Why it matters

The potential addition of Walker would give the Raiders a formidable one-two punch at running back, but it could also limit the growth of Jeanty, who was expected to be the team's bell-cow back. Kubiak has shown a preference for using a running back rotation, which could benefit both players but may not maximize Jeanty's potential as a lead back.

The details

In the 2022 season, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards on 221 carries for the Seahawks, while Jeanty had 266 carries for the Raiders as a rookie. Kubiak utilized a similar rotation with Walker and Zach Charbonnet in Seattle before Charbonnet's injury. The Raiders have the salary cap space to sign Walker, but it could be a costly move that impacts Jeanty's development.

  • Kenneth Walker is set to become a free agent in March 2026.
  • Ashton Jeanty was the Raiders' first-round draft pick in 2025.

The players

Kenneth Walker

A free agent running back who won Super Bowl MVP under new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak's offensive coordination with the Seattle Seahawks.

Ashton Jeanty

A second-year running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, who was a first-round draft pick in 2025 and is expected to be the team's lead back.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.

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What’s next

The Raiders will need to decide whether to pursue Kenneth Walker in free agency and how that would impact the development of Ashton Jeanty as their lead back.

The takeaway

The potential addition of Kenneth Walker to the Raiders' backfield alongside Ashton Jeanty could create a dynamic duo, but it also raises questions about Jeanty's role and development as the team's expected bell-cow back. Klint Kubiak's preference for a running back rotation could benefit both players, but it may not maximize Jeanty's potential as the lead back.