Seahawks Unlikely to Tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker

Star running back set to enter free agency after team focuses on other priorities

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:39am

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The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly unlikely to place the franchise tag on star running back Kenneth Walker, the Super Bowl MVP, according to league sources. The team has multiple free agents they want to retain and will also try to extend wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, leaving the "Super Bowl tax costs" that make using the franchise tag this offseason unlikely.

Why it matters

Walker's potential departure would be a significant blow to the Seahawks' offense, as he was a key contributor to their Super Bowl victory. His free agency could spark a bidding war for the talented young running back's services.

The details

The Seahawks are facing tough decisions this offseason as they try to retain their top free agents and extend their star wide receiver. Placing the franchise tag on Walker, which would guarantee him a top-tier salary for the 2023 season, appears to be too costly an option for the team at this time.

  • The Seahawks' decision on whether to tag Kenneth Walker is expected before the March 7 franchise tag deadline.

The players

Kenneth Walker

The star running back for the Seattle Seahawks and the Super Bowl MVP.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks' star wide receiver who the team is also trying to extend this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“It's unlikely the Seahawks will use their franchise tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, per league sources.”

— Adam Schefter (Twitter/X)

What’s next

The Seahawks will need to decide whether to use the franchise tag on Kenneth Walker or let him test free agency before the March 7 deadline.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' decision not to franchise tag Kenneth Walker signals their focus on retaining other key free agents and extending their star wide receiver, potentially setting the stage for a bidding war over the Super Bowl MVP's services this offseason.