Winning Super Bowl MVP usually guarantees a massive payday.
But for the Seattle Seahawks, paying star running back Kenneth Walker III might be one of the riskiest decisions of the offseason.
Seahawks Face Risky Decision as Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III Heads Toward Free Agency
The Seattle Seahawks are approaching a difficult offseason decision involving one of their biggest stars.
Running back Kenneth Walker III, who captured Super Bowl MVP honors, is expected to hit free agency after the team reportedly chose not to place the franchise tag on him.
At first glance, letting a Super Bowl MVP test the open market seems shocking.
But the reality is far more complicated.
Why Seattle Is Hesitating
Walker was a crucial part of the Seahawks’ championship run, delivering explosive plays throughout the season and shining in the Super Bowl.
However, Seattle’s front office must now decide whether he’s worth a top-of-the-market contract.
That decision comes with serious risks.
Running backs historically have shorter prime years, and Walker has already dealt with multiple injuries during his career.
Even during his breakout season, he was often part of a committee-style backfield rather than carrying the full workload alone.
Can Seattle Replace Walker?
Some Seahawks fans believe the team could simply rely on the running backs already on the roster.
But that approach comes with major question marks.
Seattle’s remaining backfield currently includes:
- Kenny McIntosh, who missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL
- George Holani, who has limited NFL experience
- Zach Charbonnet, who is also expected to miss part of the 2026 season
If Walker leaves, Seattle’s running back room would suddenly become one of the most uncertain in the league.
The Run Game Defines Seattle’s Identity
Unlike some teams that rely heavily on the passing game, the Seahawks have built their offensive philosophy around running the football.
That identity could become even stronger under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who previously worked as the San Francisco 49ers’ run game coordinator.
For Seattle, the ground game isn’t just a complement to the offense.
It’s the foundation.
Losing Walker could force the team to rebuild that identity.
The Gamble of Paying Running Backs
Even if the Seahawks want to keep Walker, committing a major contract to a running back always carries risk.
The position is one of the most physically demanding in football, and long-term deals for running backs often age poorly.
Seattle must weigh two competing risks:
Risk #1: Paying Walker a large contract that might not age well.
Risk #2: Letting him leave and failing to replace his explosive playmaking ability.
Neither option is simple.
Possible Replacements in Free Agency
If the Seahawks decide to move on, they may pursue another running back on a cheaper deal.
Some potential free-agent options include:
- Travis Etienne Jr.
- Tyler Allgeier
- Rico Dowdle
However, none of those players bring the same combination of speed, explosiveness, and big-game pedigree that Walker displayed during Seattle’s Super Bowl run.
A Decision That Could Shape Seattle’s Offense
Seattle’s front office must now determine whether Walker is truly irreplaceable or simply the latest successful piece in their offensive system.
Letting him walk would create financial flexibility but could also weaken the offense.
Keeping him would maintain continuity but could become an expensive gamble.
For a team trying to defend its Super Bowl title, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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