The New York Jets are sitting pretty with a wealth of assets this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they should spend them carelessly. With free agency rumors swirling, the Jets have been linked to Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, a move that raises some eyebrows.
On the surface, the connection makes sense. If Breece Hall decides to leave, the Jets would need a solid running back, and Walker, fresh off a Super Bowl MVP performance, certainly fits the bill. However, a closer look at the Jets’ offensive strategy under coordinator Frank Reich suggests that Walker might not be the best fit.
Why Kenneth Walker III Might Not Fit the Jets’ Scheme
Any conversation about bringing Kenneth Walker III to New York must start with Breece Hall. The Jets wouldn’t consider Walker unless they were replacing Hall, so comparing the two is crucial.
Walker had a standout playoff run with the Seahawks, but that was more of an exception than the rule when looking at his last two regular seasons. In 2025, Walker rushed 221 times for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards.
Solid numbers, sure, but they’re on par with Hall’s performance. Hall racked up 1,415 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in 16 games, compared to Walker’s 1,309 yards in 17 games.
Seattle’s offensive line and dynamic passing game gave Walker plenty of room to operate. Hall, on the other hand, didn’t have the same level of support but still made a significant impact.
This is evident in their yards-over-expected stats. Hall's 241 total yards over expected (TYOE) ranked seventh among running backs, while Walker’s 99 TYOE placed him 28th.
In 2024, Walker’s impact was even less pronounced, with a mere 32 TYOE. Hall, despite a down year, still posted 112 TYOE.
If the Jets swapped Hall for Walker, they’d likely see a drop in playmaking ability. Walker’s not a bad player, but Hall is simply better.
The financial side doesn’t justify the switch either. Spotrac projects Hall’s market value at $10.4 million per year, while Walker is valued at $9.0 million. A $1.4 million difference doesn’t reflect the gap in their performance.
Scheme fit is another issue. Walker thrived in Seattle’s outside zone-heavy offense, but that’s not a big part of Frank Reich’s playbook. In fact, Reich’s recent teams have used outside zone plays far less than the league average.
Given the mismatch in scheme and the minimal financial savings, the Jets would be wise to stick with Hall if they’re investing in a veteran running back. If Hall moves on, the draft might be a better avenue for finding a back who fits their system without breaking the bank.