The New York Jets are heading into the offseason with a laundry list of needs, and while quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive help are all at the top of the agenda, there’s another position that could quietly become a major storyline: running back.
Breece Hall, the team’s dynamic young back, is set to hit free agency. And while he’s been a key part of the Jets’ offense, there’s a real chance he could be wearing a different uniform next season.
That would leave the Jets with a significant hole in the backfield - especially with a new quarterback expected to take the reins in 2026. A strong running game can be a quarterback’s best friend, and if Hall walks, the Jets will need to fill that void quickly.
One intriguing possibility? Kenneth Walker III.
According to a recent projection, the Jets are predicted to make a run at the Seattle Seahawks’ explosive running back once his postseason journey wraps up. That hypothetical scenario also includes Hall heading the other direction to Seattle, in what would essentially be a backfield swap between two franchises looking to reshape their offenses.
Let’s unpack that.
Walker, just 25 years old, has been electric down the stretch for the Seahawks. In back-to-back playoff games, he’s showcased exactly why teams will be lining up for his services if he hits the open market.
Against the 49ers in the Divisional Round, he racked up 116 rushing yards and three touchdowns, adding 29 more yards through the air. He followed that up with a 61-yard, one-touchdown performance in the NFC Championship game, along with 49 receiving yards - proving he’s more than just a downhill runner.
And that’s been the story of Walker’s season. Even while splitting time with rookie Zach Charbonnet, he still managed to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark on the ground (1,027 yards, to be exact), while adding five rushing touchdowns and 282 receiving yards. It’s been his most complete season yet - and it’s coming at the perfect time.
Walker’s combination of vision, burst, and tackle-breaking ability makes him one of the most compelling free-agent backs on the market. He’s not as much of a dual-threat as Hall - who’s been a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield - but Walker has flashed enough in the receiving game to suggest he can handle a three-down role.
And when he gets going downhill, good luck bringing him down. His ability to create yards after contact is elite, and he’s proven he can carry the load when it matters most.
For the Jets, the appeal is obvious. If Hall walks, they’ll need someone who can keep the offense on schedule, take pressure off the quarterback, and bring some explosiveness to the run game.
Walker checks all those boxes. He’s still young, he’s proven he can produce in big moments, and he brings a physical edge that fits well with the Jets’ offensive identity.
Of course, pulling him away from Seattle won’t be easy - especially after the playoff run he’s had. But if the Jets are serious about staying competitive and giving their next quarterback a balanced offensive attack, Walker could be a priority target.
Jets fans should keep a close eye on Walker in the Super Bowl. If he shines on the biggest stage, his stock will only rise - and so will the urgency for New York to make a move. In a league where running backs are often overlooked in free agency, Walker might just be the exception this offseason.