Seahawks Unlikely to Franchise Tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker

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The Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to use the franchise tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker this offseason, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Seahawks have multiple free agents they want to retain and an extension for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba that will be a priority, leaving the franchise tag an unlikely option for Walker.

Why it matters

Retaining Walker, who had a breakout performance in the Seahawks' Super Bowl win, would be a major priority for the team. However, the high cost of the franchise tag for running backs, combined with other roster moves the Seahawks need to make, make it difficult for them to use that mechanism to keep Walker under contract.

The details

The franchise tag for running backs is likely too expensive for Walker's true value, and the Seahawks also have to consider a lucrative extension for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. With multiple free agents to re-sign, the team may not have enough salary cap space to use the franchise tag on Walker this offseason.

• On Tuesday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Seahawks are unlikely to franchise tag Kenneth Walker.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Seahawks will now focus on re-signing Kenneth Walker to a long-term deal or allowing him to test free agency, while also prioritizing an extension for Jaxon Smith-Njigba.