The Tennessee Titans have made their priorities clear this offseason: build around rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Even with the hire of Robert Saleh-a defensive-minded head coach-the focus in Nashville is unmistakably on Ward’s development.
And with Brian Daboll stepping in as offensive coordinator, the Titans are setting the table for a more quarterback-friendly system. But to truly elevate Ward, Tennessee needs more than just coaching-it needs to upgrade the talent around him.
One position that could see a major shakeup? Running back.
Tony Pollard finished the 2025 season on a high note, showing flashes of the explosiveness that once made him a top-tier back. But the reality is, the Titans may be looking to move on. Cutting Pollard would free up over $7 million in cap space, and with Tennessee sitting on a league-high $104.7 million in available funds, per OverTheCap, they’ve got the flexibility to make a splash.
Enter Kenneth Walker III.
Fresh off a Super Bowl MVP performance, Walker’s stock has never been higher. In Seattle’s championship win over the New England Patriots, the former Michigan State standout carried the ball 27 times for 135 yards and added another 26 yards through the air.
He was the engine of the Seahawks’ offense throughout the postseason, racking up 417 total yards and four touchdowns across three games. His blend of vision, burst, and physicality made him a nightmare for defenses-and a dream for any team looking to bolster its backfield.
If the Seahawks can’t lock Walker into a long-term deal, the Titans should absolutely be in the mix. Spotrac currently pegs his market value around $9 million annually, but that number feels conservative after the playoff run he just had. Even if the price tag climbs into the $12-13 million range, Tennessee has the cap space to make it work without compromising other areas of the roster.
Of course, Seattle won’t let Walker walk without a fight. General manager John Schneider has roughly $73.2 million in cap space to work with-sixth-most in the league-and he has every reason to prioritize Walker’s return.
The Seahawks’ backfield took a hit when Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL during the playoffs, leaving Walker as the unquestioned lead back. That injury only increases Walker’s value to Seattle, and if negotiations stall, they have the option to apply the franchise tag.
Still, if Walker does hit the open market, the Titans should be ready. Pairing a dynamic, playoff-proven runner like Walker with a young quarterback like Ward could be a game-changer-both in terms of on-field production and locker room leadership. It’s the kind of move that signals a franchise is serious about competing now, not later.
The Titans have the money. They have the need. And if Kenneth Walker becomes available, they might just have the perfect opportunity to make a franchise-altering addition.