The Seattle Seahawks appear poised to let running back Kenneth Walker III hit unrestricted free agency, opting not to use the franchise tag, according to sources cited by The Athletic. The move comes after a breakout season in which Walker played a pivotal role in Seattle’s Super Bowl 60 championship.
Walker, 25, had the best season of his career in 2025, appearing in all 17 regular-season games for the first time. He excelled in the playoffs, rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries and adding 26 receiving yards over three games, including a standout performance in the 29-13 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. His 417 total scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in the postseason earned him Super Bowl MVP honors and cemented his status as a key offensive weapon.
Kenneth Walker III Set to Lead Running Back Class in Free Agency After Seahawks DecisionSeahawks Prioritize Roster Strategy and Cap Flexibility Over Retaining Star Running Back
Seattle general manager John Schneider indicated last week at the NFL Scouting Combine that a franchise tag was unlikely. Schneider, who has used the tag only twice since becoming GM in 2010, emphasized evaluating the “whole picture” of the roster, rather than focusing solely on Walker’s performance or the late-season injury to fellow back Zach Charbonnet. He acknowledged Walker’s value but highlighted roster-wide considerations in contract decisions.
Financially, tagging Walker would have carried a $14.5 million cost for 2026, while a transition tag would have been $11.7 million, allowing Seattle to match offers but limiting Walker’s freedom. By letting him hit the open market, the Seahawks open the door for competition, and Walker is projected to be the top running back available after the Jets placed the franchise tag on Breece Hall.
A second-round pick in 2022 and ranked No. 8 on The Athletic’s top 150 free agents, Walker enters free agency with strong playoff credentials and proven durability, making him one of the league’s most attractive running backs. Seattle’s decision reflects a strategy prioritizing financial flexibility and roster management over short-term retention of its star back.
