Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker had an incredible bounce back season in 2025 and capped it off by winning Super Bowl MVP.
Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and scored five touchdowns after finishing the 2024 season with 573 yards due to injuries. Although that was a solid performance, he truly excelled during the playoff run. In Seattle’s three playoff games, Walker averaged 104.3 rushing yards per game and scored four touchdowns.
Advertisement
In the Super Bowl, he had 27 carries for 135 yards and two receptions for 26 yards, becoming the first running back since Terrell Davis in 1997 to win the MVP award. However, he faces a significant decision this offseason as he scheduled to be a free agent. Fox Sports’ Greg Auman predicts that Walker has not played his final game for Seattle.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) hands off to running back Kenneth Walker III (9).Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
“Walker, 25, ramped it up in the playoffs with four touchdowns before running his way to Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 1,027 yards in the regular season,” Auman wrote. “Seattle was a good bet to extend him already, but the injury to Zach Charbonnet should make that more of a priority. Can he clear $10 million a year on a new contract?
Advertisement
“The Seahawks are a Super Bowl team still somehow ranked in the top five in available cap space for 2026, so it’s hard to imagine them not paying to bring him back as a central part of their offense moving forward.”
The immediate effect of a Walker extension would solidify Seattle’s offensive identity heading into its title defense. His postseason surge reestablished the run game as the engine of the Seahawks’ attack. With Charbonnet dealing with injury concerns, retaining Walker becomes even more critical to maintaining backfield stability and protecting quarterback Sam Darnold with a balanced offensive approach.
From a broader perspective, Walker’s resurgence underscores how quickly narratives can change for running backs. In today’s NFL, where teams are often hesitant to invest heavily at the position, Seattle’s cap flexibility gives it the rare opportunity to reward elite production without sacrificing roster balance.
Advertisement
Looking ahead, the Seahawks’ front office will likely prioritize negotiations before training camp opens this summer. If Walker clears the projected $10 million per year mark and remains in Seattle, the defending champions will enter their 2026 season opener with their offensive foundation intact and with expectations of another deep postseason run squarely on their shoulders.
Related: Patriots Predicted to Land 3,500-Yard TE After Super Bowl Loss
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.