Reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is about to hit the open market after the Seattle Seahawks declined to use the franchise tag on him.
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Multiple NFL insiders reported the news on March 3, mere hours before the franchise tag deadline. They noted that Walker will be an unrestricted free agent once the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. This means that he can sign with any team that offers a deal.
This doesn't mean that Walker will not return to the Seattle Seahawks, the team with which he won Super Bowl MVP. The NFC West team may make a better offer than other teams in the league. That remains to be seen.
The Tennessee native has spent his entire career in the Pacific Northwest since being a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has been a key part of the offense over four years while posting two 1,000-yard seasons (2022, 2025) and scoring 29 rushing touchdowns.
The past three seasons have featured Walker working in a timeshare with fellow running back Zack Charbonnet. Walker has led the team in rushing yards each season, even while missing eight total games due to injury. Charbonnet has scored more rushing touchdowns the last two seasons, highlighted by 12 in 2025.
The timeshare turned into a one-man show during the divisional round win over the rival 49ers. Charbonnet tore his ACL and had to undergo surgery. This meant that Walker had to shoulder the load during the NFC championship and the Super Bowl.
The fourth-year running back responded. He posted over 100 scrimmage yards and a touchdown during the NFC championship win over the rival Rams.
He then rushed for 135 yards against the Patriots in Super Bowl 60. His hard-charging running style kept drives alive and helped the Seahawks control the clock. The team ultimately won 29-13 and secured their second Lombardi Trophy. Walker won Super Bowl MVP and enjoyed a trip to Disneyland with quarterback Sam Darnold.
