The Seattle Seahawks are in danger of losing one of their key playmakers this offseason. With the strong play of Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks face a decision on the future of star running back Ken Walker.
For now, the focus remains on the NFL playoffs, but how each playmaker performs in the postseason could impact Seattle’s willingness to spend money on a new deal for Walker. The rusher is in the final months of a four-year, $8.4 million rookie contract and will be a free agent in 2026.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay offered projections for the top NFL free agent running backs. The analyst has Walker signing with the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year, $29 million contract.
Let’s dive into the latest rumors on Walker’s future with the Seahawks.
Seahawks Rumors: Seattle Projected to Lose RB Ken Walker to the Chiefs
This price tag could be much higher than Seattle is willing to spend. Spotrac projects that Walker’s market value is a four-year, $36 million contract.
Kansas City may be willing to pay a premium as the Chiefs attempt to reload this offseason and reemerge as a contender in 2026. Yet, there are challenges in attracting free agents given Patrick Mahomes is recovering from an ACL injury.
“Walker would likely prefer to exit Seattle and land with a team that offers him more opportunity to lead a backfield rather than split time in a platoon,” Kay wrote in a December 30, 2025, story titled, “Ideal Landing Spots and Projected Contracts for 2026 NFL Free-Agent RBs.”
“If a squad like the Kansas City Chiefs can find a way to free up enough cap space to offer Walker a market value deal, he could be in line for a career year. Their running game cratered in 2025, and it’s become clear that no one on the roster is capable of carrying a backfield,” Kay continued.
“While Kansas City will have to make some cost-saving moves to offer Walker the type of money he’ll command on the open market, it could rejuvenate the ground game and help the team make up for the potential loss of Patrick Mahomes as the three-time Super Bowl champion works his way back from an ACL tear.”
Zach Charbonnet’s Play Could Prompt the Seahawks to Allow Ken Walker to Leave in NFL Free Agency
Ahead of Week 18, Walker has notched 205 carries for 930 rushing yards and five touchdowns while playing in a career-high 16 games this season. Additionally, Walker has added 27 receptions for 246 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, Charbonnet is having the best season of his career. The running back has 167 rushes for 656 yards and 11 touchdowns in 15 appearances, all career-high statistics. Charbonnet has also added 17 receptions for 121 yards through the air.
Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald on Ken Walker: ‘He’s Such an Explosive Player With the Ball in His Hands’
Seattle is armed with two dynamic running backs, but the team has struggled to have a consistent rushing attack in 2025. The Seahawks rank No. 16 in the league averaging 119.8 rushing yards per game. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald admitted that Walker’s play has earned him more touches.
“I think you really felt Ken,” Macdonald said earlier this season, per The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell. “And just, even in the pass game, too, on check-downs, finding him late in the play.
“Just shows you that he’s such an explosive player with the ball in his hands. And he knows there’s things that he needs to clean up in his game, too. And he’s done a great job doing that. And we’ll continue to do that. But I think Ken’s showing that he deserves more opportunities.”
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