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ESPN’s Ben Solak predicted NFL teams to engage in a bidding war for Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker during 2026 NFL free agency.
With less than two weeks until 2026 NFL free agency, there’s considerable buzz around Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker. ESPN’s Ben Solak only expects that to continue, and likely to increase.
On Saturday, Solak included Walker among five players who will receive more than initially expected in 2026 free agency. Solak projected there to be frenzy for the Super Bowl MVP’s services once free agency begins.
“I think everybody saw Super Bowl MVP, great postseason run and said, ‘Oh he will go from like $10 million per year to $12 million per year,’ Solak argued. “But if Breece Hall gets tagged, which I think he will, then Walker is the best free agent running back available in terms of juice and explosive play ability and this draft class really does not have a lot of fans.
“So, I think there’s gonna be a bidding war for Walker, and I would not be surprised if he is like a top-5 paid running back by the time it’s all said and done.”
There are a few different ways to measure the highest-paid NFL players. From an average annual salary perspective, Walker will have to make $12.25 million per season to have a top-5 running back salary.
In terms of total contract value, Christian McCaffrey possesses the fifth-highest contract among all running backs at $38 million.
Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns during 17 regular season games last season. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry.
Then in three postseason contests, Walker registered 313 rushing yards and four scores. In the Super Bowl, he gained 135 rushing yards on 27 carries.
Kenneth Walker became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since Terrell Davis in January 1998.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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