Kenneth Walker III headed toward free agency as Seahawks unlikely to use franchise tag, per report
CBS Sports
by
Bryan DeArdo
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Kenneth Walker III is on track to become a free agent as the Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to use the franchise tag before the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, according to ESPN. At just 25 years old, Walker is set to join an elite group of four Super Bowl MVPs who have entered free agency, following in the footsteps of Larry Brown, Dexter Jackson, and Desmond Howard, all of whom found new teams after testing the market.
Walker's situation is unique given his rise to prominence as a star player. He capped off a strong 2025 season with an MVP-winning performance in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots. Despite a defensive-focused game, Walker emerged as the standout offensive player, amassing 161 all-purpose yards and 135 rushing yards on 26 carries. His MVP win marked the first time a running back had achieved this honor since 1997, solidifying his status as one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming free agency period.
The Seahawks have until March 11 to negotiate a new contract with Walker. If no deal is reached by then, teams will be allowed to begin contacting him starting March 9, when the legal tampering period begins. This timing could not be more ideal for Walker, as his MVP win has likely increased his market value significantly. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, who are looking to bolster their running back units with free agents, may be interested in securing his services.
Walker's entry into free agency is a pivotal moment for both him and the Seahawks. If Seattle fails to re-sign him, they will need to address their running back depth, possibly through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft. The team already has Zach Charbonnet, a productive rusher who led the team with 12 touchdowns this season but missed the playoff games due to injury.
The potential outcome of Walker's free agency status is significant for sports fans and teams alike. His decision could reshape the Seahawks' roster and
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026