The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical decision regarding the future of running back Kenneth Walker III, who played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl victory. Head coach Mike Macdonald has made it clear that he wants Walker to remain with the team, especially as the organization navigates the complexities of free agency.
Traditionally, general manager John Schneider allows unrestricted free agents to explore the market. However, letting Walker test free agency could be risky, particularly if the team is serious about retaining their leading rusher. Reports indicate that the Seahawks might aim to secure Walker”s services for around $10 million per year. Yet, with eight running backs currently earning more than that amount, other teams could easily tempt him with better financial offers.
During the regular season, Walker ranked 16th in rushing yards with 1,027 and was tied for 34th in rushing touchdowns, tallying five. Despite these figures, he demonstrated his potential by ranking third in rushes of 20 yards or more. His performance in the playoffs, which earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, showcased his ability to impact games significantly, even while sharing carries with Zach Charbonnet.
Macdonald expressed his admiration for Walker at the NFL Scouting Combine, stating, “We won a Super Bowl with him. I don”t know what his stats are, but I know he affected every game in a pretty significant manner, so I thought he had a heck of a season, and I think it can get even better. He”s so talented. It”s like, let”s keep pushing the envelope, man. Let”s take it to the next level.”
This desire to retain Walker is further underscored by concerns surrounding Charbonnet, who may miss a significant portion of the 2026 season following knee surgery. If Walker were to leave and Charbonnet were unavailable, the team”s next best option would be undrafted free agent George Holani, which would create uncertainty in the backfield. The draft could be an alternative for the Seahawks, but Macdonald seems to prefer maintaining stability heading into the 2026 season.
Starting the year with a new offensive coordinator and a new backfield would put additional pressure on quarterback Sam Darnold to lead the offense effectively. Although Darnold has the capability to maintain productivity, he has not consistently demonstrated the ability to be a game-changing quarterback. His success has typically relied on a solid running game.
According to reports, the Seahawks may still be hesitant to invest top-tier starter money in Walker, as they might prefer to keep him in a shared role, especially with Charbonnet”s uncertain status. This situation adds a layer of complexity to Seattle”s offseason strategy.
