The Seattle Seahawks decided not to use the franchise tag on running back Kenneth Walker III, and now could face a major challenge if they aim to keep him in 2026.
The Super Bowl MVP is now headed to free agency after the team’s decision not to utilize the franchise tag. While the team has expressed a desire to bring him back after a strong season, Walker is expected to garner significant interest in free agency and has been connected to a rising NFC rival.
Kenneth Walker III Getting Strong Interest
SNY reporter Connor Hughes noted that the New York Giants have expressed interest in Walker, who could help build the roster on a team many consider a dark-horse playoff contender.
“Whether they land a player such as Seattleâs Kenneth Walker or Notre Dameâs Jeremiyah Love remains to be seen, but expect a strong push for established free agent options, including Walker and others,” Hughest wrote. “Love is among the prospects they are expected to discuss deeper into the draft process.”
Hughes added that the Giants spent plenty of time at the combine evaluating interior offensive linemen and tight ends, but Walker would be a top priority in free agency.
Whether it’s the Giants or another team, the Seahawks are expected to face some fierce competition for Walker’s services. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the buzz around the league is strong and he will likely land somewhere new.
“Kenneth Walker III, who sounds like he’s generating enough outside interest to spell the end of his time in Seattle,” Graziano wrote.
The ESPN report added that the relatively thin free-agent class would work in Walker’s favor — and against the Seahawks.
“Walker is set to reach free agency as the top, highly explosive RB with emergent receiving ability given how he finished the season in Seattle,” the report noted. “The reigning Super Bowl MVP wasn’t even a perfect scheme fit for Seattle’s zone-heavy approach. With a thin RB class in the 2026 draft, expect free agent running backs to see a boost in their contracts this cycle.”
Seahawks Face Another Important Decision
Walker is not the only Seahawks player headed to free agency. The team must also make a decision on wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, the trade-deadline addition who had a big impact both as a pass-catcher and return specialist.
SI.com’s Jeremy Brener listed him among the team’s most important free agents to keep, noting that he was a big playoff performer and a good fit for Seattle’s offense.
“He returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in the team’s divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers, and he was a strong fit in the offense next to Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and Cooper Kupp,” Brener wrote. “Shaheed is expected to be one of the more highly sought-after wide receivers in the free agent market, and it could prevent the Seahawks from being able to sign him.”
The Seahawks have some key defensive players headed to free agency as well, including defensive backs Josh Jobe and Coby Bryant.
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