The Seattle Seahawks have a lot of work to do this offseason, including trying to retain running back Kenneth Walker. The franchise tag, however, does not appear to be the answer to how they will do that.
The Seahawks are unlikely to use the tag on Walker or anyone else, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Seattle wants to keep Walker, but also has a number of other free agents they want to retain. They would also like to sign wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a contract extension. With that many contracts to work out, the franchise tag is simply seen as too expensive an option.
It’s unlikely the Seahawks will use their franchise tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, per league sources. The Seahawks have multiple free agents they want to retain and sign. They also will try to extend WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There are enough Super-Bowl tax… https://t.co/9xbtIgLNn7 pic.twitter.com/XdfkNk16kf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2026
Walker likely made himself a lot of money with his Super Bowl performance, for which he won MVP honors. He rushed for 1,027 yards in the regular season, then tallied 313 yards in the postseason. His role increased after Zach Charbonnet’s season-ending injury, and he very capably held down a feature back role during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run.
The Seahawks have a lot of cap juggling to do, but such is the price of a Super Bowl. Riq Woolen and Rashid Shaheed are also due to hit unrestricted free agency.
Wherever Walker winds up, just don’t expect his dad to go to many of his games.
