The Seattle Seahawks are one win away from the Super Bowl, set to square off against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship. But while the focus is rightfully on the present, the front office can’t afford to ignore what’s coming next-especially when it comes to the backfield.
Kenneth Walker III is entering free agency, and the timing couldn’t be more pivotal. According to Spotrac’s market projections, Walker is in line for a four-year deal worth just over $33.5 million. That’s roughly $8.4 million per year-a significant number, but not one that breaks the bank in today’s NFL, especially for a player of Walker’s caliber.
The urgency around Walker’s future grew louder when Zach Charbonnet went down with a season-ending ACL injury. With Charbonnet’s 2026 availability now up in the air, the Seahawks are staring at a potential depth crisis at running back. Walker, a proven starter, suddenly becomes more than a luxury-he’s a necessity.
Let’s talk about the value here. Walker’s 2025 regular season saw him rack up 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries.
That’s solid production, especially considering he split touches with Charbonnet for much of the year. But the real exclamation point came in the postseason.
Against the 49ers, Walker exploded for 116 yards and three touchdowns on just 19 carries, adding another 29 yards through the air on three catches. That kind of playoff performance doesn’t just pad stats-it boosts market value and makes a strong case for a long-term commitment.
Now, he’s not projected to be the top-paid back this offseason-names like Chase Brown, D’Andre Swift, Breece Hall, and Devon Achane are ahead of him in projected value-but Walker’s fit in Seattle’s system and his proven ability to deliver in big moments make him a uniquely valuable piece for this team.
Seattle’s current running back room outside of Walker and Charbonnet is made up of backups and practice squad players. If Charbonnet isn’t ready to go by Week 1 next season, and Walker walks in free agency, the Seahawks could be left scrambling for answers at one of the most physically demanding and injury-prone positions in the game.
That’s why bringing Walker back makes so much sense. He’s just 25, already has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, and has shown he can be a difference-maker when it matters most. The projected $33 million deal isn’t cheap, but it’s fair-and given the uncertainty surrounding Charbonnet, it might even be a bargain.
The Seahawks have a championship on the line this week, but when the dust settles, one of their first big offseason calls will be whether to lock in Walker for the long haul. Based on what he’s done-and what the team needs-it’s a decision they can’t afford to get wrong.