Seahawks Unlikely to Franchise Tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III

The team may let the 25-year-old running back test free agency after his breakout postseason performance.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite Kenneth Walker III's standout Super Bowl MVP performance, the Seattle Seahawks are reportedly unlikely to use the franchise tag to keep the 25-year-old running back. This could allow Walker to test free agency, where he may find a more lucrative offer than the Seahawks are willing to match.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' decision not to franchise tag Walker signals they may be unwilling to pay top dollar to retain him, potentially leading to the departure of their young star running back after his breakout season and Super Bowl heroics.

The details

Walker proved to be one of the Seahawks' top offensive weapons in the Super Bowl, rushing for 135 yards. However, contract extension talks have been challenging, and the team may be hesitant to use the franchise tag, which would pay Walker around $14.1 million next season. The Seahawks have other key players like Rashid Shaheed and Jaxon Smith-Njigba who also need new contracts, potentially factoring into their decision.

  • The Seahawks have until the franchise tag window closes in two weeks to decide on Walker's status.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

The Seahawks' 25-year-old running back who won Super Bowl MVP after a standout postseason performance.

Zach Charbonnet

Another Seahawks running back who shared the backfield with Walker until suffering a season-ending ACL injury in the divisional round.

Rashid Shaheed

A Seahawks player who needs a new contract, potentially complicating the team's decision on Walker.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A Seahawks player who is now eligible for a second contract, potentially complicating the team's decision on Walker.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly unlikely to apply the franchise tag to Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. That means he will be, unless he does a new deal with the Seahawks, a free agent.”

— Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk Analyst (ProFootballTalk)

“I think the message to Walker is, you may want too much money here. 'Go ahead, go to the combine,' where there's plenty of tampering, 'see what other teams are willing to offer. We have a feeling you're gonna find out that you're not gonna get the kind of money that you want from us, and then a decision will need to be made.'”

— Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk Analyst (ProFootballTalk)

What’s next

The Seahawks have until the franchise tag window closes in two weeks to decide whether to use the tag on Kenneth Walker III.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' decision not to franchise tag their Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III signals they may be unwilling to pay top dollar to retain him, potentially leading to the departure of their young star after his breakout season.