Seahawks Will Not Use Franchise Tag on Walker

The Seattle Seahawks will not place the franchise tag on running back Kenneth Walker III, the team's Super Bowl MVP from their recent championship victory, league sources confirmed this week. The decision clears the way for Walker to test free agency while leaving the door open for the Seahawks to re-sign him through negotiations.

Walkers's status as an unrestricted free agent beginning in March marks a significant moment for both player and franchise. The running back just completed his four-year rookie contract, during which the Seahawks paid him a total of $8.4 million. His final year carried a salary cap number of just under $2.7 million, making him one of the biggest bargains in football after his stellar 2025 season.

Background

Walker has emerged as one of the NFL's most productive running backs over the past two seasons. During the 2025 regular season, he rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. His postseason performance proved even more impressive, accumulating 313 yards and four touchdowns across three playoff games.

The running back's finest moment came in Super Bowl LX, where he rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries and caught two passes for 26 yards in the Seahawks' 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. His performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, making him the first running back to win the award since Denver's Terrell Davis in Super Bowl XXXII following the 1997 season.

Walker's emergence as the team's primary ball carrier came after Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury during the divisional playoff round against San Francisco. The injury forced the Seahawks to lean heavily on Walker down the stretch, and he responded with dominant performances that carried the team to a championship.

Key Details

The Seahawks had until March 3 to apply either a franchise tag or transition tag to Walker. The franchise tag would have cost the team $14.5 million for a running back, while the transition tag would have come at $11.7 million. Despite having ample salary cap space, the team determined that the financial costs of winning the Super Bowl made using the tag unlikely.

"We have multiple free agents that we want to retain and sign, and the team would also try to extend the contract of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba." – Seattle Seahawks Front Office

General manager John Schneider has used the franchise tag only twice during his 16-year tenure with the Seahawks, indicating a preference for building rosters through other means. The team faces competing priorities this offseason, including retaining multiple free agents from the championship roster and potentially extending star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a long-term deal.

The Market Opportunity

Walker figures to be among the most sought-after running backs on the free agent market. Several teams with needs at the position are expected to pursue him aggressively. The Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Kansas City Chiefs have all been mentioned as potential suitors, though Walker has expressed a preference for remaining in Seattle.

"I've been here four years, so I've gotten to know a lot of stuff about Seattle, and a lot of the city, and I feel like they feel good about me as well," Walker said. "If it was my choice, though, I'd definitely stay."

Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the team's desire to keep Walker. "Of course we want him back," Macdonald said, acknowledging that making a deal work while addressing other roster needs will be challenging.

What This Means

Walker's entry into free agency without the tag attached gives him maximum use in negotiations. Teams can now make offers directly to the running back, potentially driving up his market value significantly. Analysts project he could command a four-year deal worth approximately $36 million or more, though his recent postseason success and Super Bowl MVP award may push that number higher.

For the Seahawks, the decision reflects confidence that they can re-sign Walker through standard free agency negotiations rather than committing to the franchise tag's inflated price. It also signals that the team views other pending free agents as equally important to the team's future success.

The running back's next contract will represent a substantial raise from his rookie deal. After earning just $2.7 million in 2025, Walker is positioned to secure a deal that reflects his status as one of the league's elite running backs. If he returns to Seattle, it will likely come through a multi-year agreement that provides the security both sides seek.

The Seahawks' approach represents a calculated gamble that they can retain their Super Bowl MVP without using the franchise tag, freeing up resources to address other roster needs while maintaining the core of their championship team.