Imagine a Super Bowl MVP hitting the open market just one year after leading his team to the championship. It sounds like a plot twist from a sports drama, but that’s exactly what’s happening with Kenneth Walker III. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seattle Seahawks are not expected to place the franchise tag on Walker, setting him up to become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL’s new league year begins on March 11—unless, of course, the two sides strike a new deal before then. But here’s where it gets controversial: if Walker does sign elsewhere, he’ll join an exclusive club as just the fourth reigning Super Bowl MVP in NFL history to switch teams the following season, alongside Larry Brown, Desmond Howard, and Dexter Jackson. Is this a smart move by the Seahawks, or are they letting a championship-caliber player slip away?
Walker’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Drafted in the second round out of Michigan State in 2022, the 25-year-old has been a standout performer in Seattle. As a rookie, he rushed for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns, followed by 905 yards and eight scores in 2023. While his production dipped in 2024—partly due to injuries limiting him to 11 games—he still proved his worth, especially during the postseason. After teammate Zach Charbonnet’s season-ending ACL injury in the NFC Divisional Round, Walker stepped up as the undisputed leader of the Seahawks’ backfield, rushing for 313 yards and four touchdowns in just three playoff games. And let’s not forget his Super Bowl performance: 135 rushing yards, two receptions, and a dominant showing in the Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. So why would Seattle let him walk?
The answer lies in the Seahawks’ looming financial decisions. With star players like quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon in line for big contract extensions, retaining Walker might not fit into their long-term plans. Still, it’s a bold move that raises questions about the team’s priorities. And this is the part most people miss: Walker’s departure could open the door for teams desperate for a game-changing running back. The New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs are all potential suitors. Among them, the Chiefs stand out as the most intriguing fit. With Patrick Mahomes returning from a torn ACL, a reliable running game could be the missing piece for Kansas City’s offense—something they’ve lacked in recent years. But can the Chiefs clear enough cap space to make a competitive offer?
Meanwhile, the Giants are also in the mix, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, who reported their interest in top free-agent running backs like Walker. Under new head coach John Harbaugh, who prioritized the run game during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, Walker could thrive as the focal point of a ground-heavy offense. However, the Giants already have 2025 fourth-round pick Cam Skattebo, who showed promise as a rookie before suffering serious leg and ankle injuries. Would Walker be an upgrade, or is Skattebo enough to anchor their backfield?
As the NFL world awaits Walker’s next move, one thing is clear: his departure from Seattle would be a seismic shift in the league’s landscape. Whether he ends up in Kansas City, New York, or elsewhere, his impact will be felt far beyond the stats sheet. So, here’s the big question: Which team do you think is the best fit for Kenneth Walker III, and is Seattle making a mistake by letting him go? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
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