Kenneth Walker III Just Delivered a Postseason for the Ages - Now What Comes Next?
Every postseason, the NFL introduces a new wave of stars - players who rise to the moment and etch their names into playoff lore. This year, the Seattle Seahawks had no shortage of breakout performers on their run to a Super Bowl LX title. But no one shined brighter than Kenneth Walker III.
Walker didn’t just show up in the playoffs - he took over. The third-year back rushed for over 100 yards in all three of Seattle’s postseason wins, culminating in a 135-yard, 27-carry performance against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. That effort earned him Super Bowl MVP honors and, more importantly, put him squarely in the spotlight as he heads into free agency.
Now, Walker enters the open market as one of the top running backs available, alongside names like Breece Hall. But evaluating Walker isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
On one hand, he’s one of the most dynamic runners in the league - explosive in the open field, slippery in tight quarters, and a nightmare to bring down when he hits the second level. What stood out this season was his growth in patience - no longer bouncing everything outside, Walker showed a willingness to let blocks develop and take what the defense gave him.
But here’s the wrinkle: Walker’s value is almost entirely tied to his running ability. He hasn’t been asked to do much in pass protection - Seattle leaned on George Holani in that role after Zach Charbonnet’s injury - and he’s not a natural receiver out of the backfield. A key drop in the Super Bowl was a reminder that while he can carry the load on the ground, he’s not a complete three-down back just yet.
Still, there’s no denying what he accomplished this postseason: 417 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns in three games. That kind of production - in the biggest moments - is going to get attention.
Will Seattle Keep Walker?
For much of the 2025 season, the writing seemed to be on the wall: Walker was likely on his way out. Charbonnet had carved out a significant role and offered more versatility, and with Walker approaching free agency, it felt like Seattle might turn the page.
But then everything changed.
Walker became the heartbeat of the Seahawks’ offense during the playoffs, powering a ground game that helped Seattle control tempo and wear down defenses. And when Charbonnet tore his ACL in the Divisional Round against the 49ers, the team’s depth at running back took a major hit. With Charbonnet now uncertain for the start of next season, Walker’s value to Seattle just skyrocketed.
Add in the departure of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak - now the head coach in Las Vegas - and the Seahawks have even more reason to prioritize continuity in their backfield. A new play-caller will need some stability, and bringing back Walker, even at a higher price, suddenly makes a lot more sense.
If Not Seattle, Then Where?
Should Walker hit the open market, there are a few teams that could make a strong case for his services - and the Carolina Panthers are near the top of that list.
Chuba Hubbard just got an extension, but he’s not built to be a full-time bell cow. With Rico Dowdle heading to free agency, Carolina has a clear opportunity to upgrade its backfield. Walker would give them a burst of explosiveness that neither Hubbard nor Dowdle consistently provided.
From a football fit, it works. Hubbard could handle third-down duties - pass protection, receiving, the stuff that isn’t Walker’s strong suit - while Walker takes on the early-down work and wears down defenses.
When Carolina’s offense found any rhythm this season, it was usually because the run game was doing the heavy lifting. Adding Walker could help keep that formula intact, putting Bryce Young in more manageable situations.
There’s also a personal angle here. Walker played his early college ball nearby at Wake Forest, and Carolina has a solid offensive line and enough cap space to make a competitive offer. Under Dave Canales, Walker would likely be the featured back - a central figure in the game plan - and that’s got to be appealing.
A Wild Card: The Kansas City Factor
Now, if we’re talking about fun fits - and potential fireworks - the Kansas City Chiefs are an intriguing (if unlikely) option.
Kansas City has been quietly effective on the ground, but they’ve lacked true explosiveness. Isiah Pacheco runs hard, and Kareem Hunt added some veteran savvy, but neither has been a home-run threat. That’s where Walker comes in.
Imagine a healthy Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce doing his thing, and Walker in the backfield ready to rip off 40-yard runs. It’s a tantalizing thought. The Chiefs have the offensive line to make it work - with Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, and Josh Simmons anchoring the trenches - and they’ve shown a willingness to commit to the run when the moment calls for it.
Of course, the cap situation is tight. Really tight.
But if Kansas City restructures Mahomes’ deal and moves on from Jawaan Taylor, they could create enough space to make a move. Is it the most logical use of limited funds?
Maybe not. But in terms of adding a dynamic weapon to an already dangerous offense, Walker checks a lot of boxes.
The Bottom Line
Kenneth Walker III just authored one of the most impressive playoff runs we’ve seen from a running back in recent memory. He was the engine behind Seattle’s Super Bowl push and proved he can be a difference-maker when it matters most.
Now, he’s about to hit the open market with momentum, buzz, and leverage - a rare combination for a running back in today’s NFL. Whether he stays in Seattle, returns home to Carolina, or joins a contender like Kansas City, one thing’s clear: Walker’s stock has never been higher.
And wherever he lands, defenses better be ready - because Walker’s just getting started.