The Kansas City Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time in a decade. Starting in 2015, the team reached the playoffs every year, a run that intensified after drafting quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2017. With him under center, Kansas City made five Super Bowl appearances.
This season, however, the Chiefs finished 6-11. The offense struggled in critical situations and several losses came in one-score games. Kareem Hunt and Isaiah Pacheco led the rushing attack but combined for just nine touchdowns, averaging 3.7 and 3.9 yards per carry, respectively.
Advertisement
In an effort to address those issues, Kansas City signed Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43 million deal. The 25-year-old is expected to anchor the backfield and capitalize on opportunities created by Mahomes. Still, the move comes with concerns.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III poses with the MVP trophy during Super Bowl LX.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Mahomes is recovering from an ACL tear. Although he has indicated he will be ready for Week 1, his mobility and strength may not return to peak levels immediately. As insurance, Kansas City signed former New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields. How he fits the Chiefs game still needs to be tested. David Giradi will have to work with him.
Advertisement
There are also questions surrounding Walker’s consistency. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report noted, “After breaking out as a rookie with a 1,050-yard rushing season, Walker regressed in each of the next two seasons, culminating in a concerning 3.7 yards per carry average during the 2024 campaign.”
The same thing was observed during his collegiate years. In his freshman year, Walker averaged 5.9 yards per carry, which dipped to 4.9 in the following year. Again, after transferring from Wake Forest Demon Deacons to Michigan State Spartans, he improved to 6.2 yards per carry.
Advertisement
He added, “Other issues, such as notoriously poor pass protection and middling advanced metrics, could come back to haunt Walker.”
Overall, the Walker move could prove highly beneficial for Kansas City, but it could also backfire.
Related: Russell Wilson Dealt Unfortunate News Amid Latest Chiefs Rumors
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.