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The latest Seahawks news centers on one of Seattle’s biggest offseason questions: how the team plans to replace Kenneth Walker III after losing him in free agency. Sports Illustrated’s Seahawks coverage called the move a “head scratcher,” arguing Seattle let Walker leave without a “clear plan” to replace him in the backfield.
That criticism landed because Walker’s departure is not just symbolic. On March 9 Walker agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $45 million with the Kansas City Chiefs after Seattle opted not to use the franchise tag.
For Seattle, the timing matters now. Free agency is already underway, the 2026 roster is taking shape, and the Seahawks’ current running back picture still looks unsettled with Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL and George Holani among the backs currently on the roster. Sports Illustrated’s Seahawks page has also highlighted Seattle’s move to add Emanuel Wilson, but even that addition has been framed more as depth than a proven answer.
Key Points
Kenneth Walker III agreed to join the Chiefs on a three-year deal worth up to $45 million.
Sports Illustrated’s Seahawks coverage said Seattle did not have a “clear plan” after letting him leave.
Zach Charbonnet is coming back from a torn ACL, leaving real uncertainty in the Seahawks’ backfield outlook.
Kenneth Walker Departure Seen as a Major Red Flag, According to Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated’s Seahawks vertical has repeatedly returned to the same concern: Seattle may have underestimated how hard Walker would be to replace. On the site’s Seahawks page, multiple stories this week have framed the running back room as a problem area, including one piece that said the team let Walker walk without a true immediate replacement and another that questioned whether Emanuel Wilson is really the answer.
That is why this qualifies as bigger Seahawks news than a normal free-agency exit. Walker was not just another departing starter. He left after a career that already included 3,555 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in 59 regular-season games with Seattle.
Why the Seahawks’ Running Back Plan Is Under the Microscope
Seattle’s issue is less about losing a recognizable player and more about the mechanics of replacing him in March instead of April or later. Charbonnet remains on the roster, but his torn ACL kept him out of the final two playoff games, which makes the early part of the offseason especially relevant for Seattle’s depth chart planning.
The current roster page lists Charbonnet and Holani among Seattle’s backs, but Walker is no longer there. That leaves the Seahawks facing a familiar offseason question: do they trust internal options, lean on a lower-cost veteran addition, or use premium draft capital on a new lead back?
Losing Walker hurts on its own, but the bigger issue is usage. Seattle is not just replacing carries. It is replacing explosive-play ability, pass-game value, and a back who still commanded defensive attention even while sharing work.
Seahawks News Now Turns to What John Schneider Does Next
With the first wave of free agency moving quickly, this story matters because Seattle does not have much time to let uncertainty linger. The Seahawks can still add competition, but every passing day makes the draft feel like the cleaner solution if the front office wants a real long-term answer.
That is also why Sports Illustrated’s criticism has traction. Calling out the lack of a “clear plan” is really another way of saying Seattle has created pressure on itself. If Charbonnet is not fully ready early, and if the rest of the room does not separate, the Seahawks could head into the next phase of the offseason with running back as one of the roster’s most obvious needs.
What Happens Next?
The next wave of Seahawks news will likely focus on whether Seattle adds another veteran runner or saves its biggest move for the 2026 NFL Draft. After Walker’s exit, that decision has become one of the team’s clearest roster storylines.
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, MLB and NFL for Heavy.com. He also focuses on the trading card market. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson
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