If the Denver Broncos are serious about making a Super Bowl push in 2026, their run game needs more than a tune-up - it needs a true engine. The flashes were there early in 2025, especially with J.K.
Dobbins showing promise before a Lisfranc injury derailed his season. But once he was sidelined, Denver’s ground game lost its identity.
Rookie RJ Harvey had some moments, particularly as a pass-catcher, but he didn’t move the needle enough as a primary runner.
Now, with free agency looming and the front office promising to be aggressive, the big question becomes: do the Broncos make a splash at running back? One name that jumps off the page - and off the screen if you watched Super Bowl 60 - is Kenneth Walker.
Kenneth Walker: A True Game-Changer
Let’s start with the basics. Walker just wrapped up his fourth NFL season with 1,027 rushing yards on 221 carries - that’s 4.6 yards per carry - and added 282 receiving yards on 31 catches. He found the end zone five times on the ground and, most importantly, was the driving force behind Seattle’s postseason run, culminating in Super Bowl MVP honors.
At 5'9", 217 pounds, Walker is built low to the ground but runs with power, balance, and exceptional burst. He’s not just a one-cut runner - he’s a patient, decisive back who waits for blocks to develop and can make defenders miss in tight spaces or out in the open field. Think back to his college days at Wake Forest and Michigan State - that vision and lateral agility were his calling cards then, and they’ve only sharpened in the pros.
In fact, Walker’s running style evokes shades of prime Le’Veon Bell - the same patience behind the line, the same ability to plant and explode. He thrives in inside zone concepts but has the footwork and instincts to bounce it outside when necessary. That kind of versatility is exactly what Denver’s offense has been missing.
Why Walker Fits in Denver
Head Coach Sean Payton has always valued running backs who can contribute in both phases of the offense, and Walker fits that mold. He took a noticeable step forward as a receiver this past season, averaging over nine yards per catch - a significant jump from previous years. That’s not just a bonus; it’s a key part of what Payton wants from his backs.
Denver leaned into more outside zone concepts in 2025, but the results were inconsistent. Too often, plays were bottled up before they could get going. Walker, with his cutback ability and knack for making something out of nothing, would give the Broncos a reliable option who can turn a busted play into a first down - or more.
And let’s talk about ball security. In 58 career games, Walker has fumbled just three times. That kind of reliability matters, especially for a team that can’t afford to give away possessions.
Over his four-year career, Walker has racked up 4,560 all-purpose yards and 31 total touchdowns. Those aren’t just solid numbers - they’re the kind of production you build an offense around.
The Roadblock: Seattle’s Leverage
Of course, there’s a reason this might not happen. Walker just helped bring a Lombardi Trophy to Seattle, and the Seahawks are in a strong position to keep him.
They’ve got cap space, stability, and a system that clearly works for him. It’s not easy to walk away from that kind of situation.
But there’s a wrinkle: Seattle’s offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is now the head coach of the Raiders. If that changes the offensive vision in Seattle or alters Walker’s role, he might be more open to a change of scenery than we think.
Still, after a postseason like the one he just had, Walker’s market value is going to be high - possibly higher than what Denver is willing to spend at the position. The Broncos will have to weigh whether paying premium money for a running back fits into their broader roster-building strategy.
Why It Still Makes Sense for Denver
Let’s be honest - the Broncos can’t afford another season where the run game disappears down the stretch. Bo Nix is heading into his third year, and if they want him to take the next step, he needs a consistent run game to lean on. A back like Walker doesn’t just take pressure off the quarterback - he opens up the entire offense.
The Broncos have had too many games over the past two years where the passing game and rushing attack weren’t on the same page. That kind of imbalance is a recipe for mediocrity. Walker gives them a chance to change that.
And while it might be tough to lure him away from a winning situation in Seattle, Denver has every reason to try. The opportunity to land a dynamic, proven back in his prime doesn’t come around often - especially one who just showed he can carry a team through the playoffs.
Bottom Line
Kenneth Walker checks every box for what the Broncos need in a lead back. He’s productive, durable, explosive, and has the kind of all-around game that fits perfectly in Sean Payton’s offense. Yes, there are other backs available in free agency - and Denver will surely explore multiple options - but Walker is the kind of player who can elevate an entire offense.
If he’s willing to test the market, Denver should be first in line. It’s time to go big.