The Seattle Seahawks' journey to the Super Bowl was nothing short of spectacular, and their success hinged significantly on a powerful run game. At the heart of this was Kenneth Walker III, whose contributions were pivotal not just in the playoffs but throughout the season's critical final stretch.
Walker wasn't just the Super Bowl MVP; he was the engine driving Seattle's playoff push. His explosive 55-yard touchdown against the Rams on a crucial Thursday night, coupled with 133 yards from scrimmage in a battle for the NFC's top seed, showcased his game-changing ability. And when the Seahawks lost Zach Charbonnet to an ACL tear in the NFC Divisional Round, Walker stepped up, delivering 313 yards and four touchdowns over three playoff games, including a standout 135-yard performance when it mattered most.
Walker’s impressive postseason has undoubtedly caught the attention of teams across the league, setting the stage for potentially lucrative offers in free agency. The question is, can Seattle match those offers to keep him in their backfield? And what does this mean for a team still awaiting the return of another key starter?
Walker’s role in the playoffs was a departure from his regular season duties, where he thrived as part of a committee approach. This strategy likely kept him fresh and ready to dominate in January. While Seattle will want to retain him in this role, other teams might be willing to offer him a leading position with a top salary.
According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Seattle might try to convince Walker to stay by highlighting the benefits of their current setup, which kept him healthy and effective. However, if he hits the market, it will depend on which team sees him as the perfect fit.
Spotrac estimates Walker’s market value at $9 million annually, but Graziano suggests starting negotiations around $11 million, similar to what Kyren Williams received from the Rams. Running backs this year might aim to get as close as possible to the $14 million that Jonathan Taylor earns with the Colts.
Seattle faces a tough decision. While they have a young team brimming with defensive talent, Walker's departure could leave a significant gap. The Seahawks have experienced the pitfalls of relying on less expensive options before, with mixed results following Marshawn Lynch's departure.
If Walker does move on, the Seahawks have a few potential replacements in mind. Rico Dowdle, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with Dallas and Carolina, is one option.
Though he lacks Walker's explosiveness, he offers a more affordable alternative. Travis Etienne, younger and with a similar market value, is another intriguing possibility, having surpassed 1,000 yards in three of four seasons with Jacksonville.
Seattle's offseason decisions will be crucial as they look to build on their Super Bowl success and maintain a competitive edge in the league.