New Kenneth Walker Rumors Reveal Seahawks Plans for Super Bowl MVP Before Free Agency

The Seattle Seahawks are interested in retaining running back Kenneth Walker III and could use the franchise tag in order to do so, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"What Kenneth Walker did during the playoff run and in the Super Bowl, to be the Super Bowl MVP, raised his price," Rapoport reported Thursday on The Insiders. "That is just the reality. It does sound like Seattle would really like to keep him. There is a way to make absolutely sure that you keep him and that is the franchise tag. There's also a transition tag, which puts the player at a little bit of a lower value but he can then go shop the deal and see if he can get a multiyear deal from somewhere else. There's plenty of things that can happen. It does sound like Seattle wants to keep him."

Walker was named Super Bowl MVP after the Seahawks wrapped up a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots to secure their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history on Sunday.

Walker rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries while hauling in two receptions for 26 yards in the victory.

Although he's currently slated to enter free agency in March, he could reach an agreement with Seattle on a new deal before then.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported Wednesday that there's "little doubt" Walker will remain a member of the Seahawks heading into next season.

Both sides could choose to work out an extension, or Seattle might apply the franchise tag to keep him with the team for at least one more year. The franchise tag for Walker is worth just over $14 million in 2026 (via Spotrac).

The 25-year-old is coming off his fourth season with the Seahawks, rushing for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Walker also factored into Seattle's passing attack, catching 31 passes for 282 yards.

He split carries with Zach Charbonnet during the regular season, but stepped into a larger role after Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Walker amassed 417 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns in three postseason games.

As the Seahawks begin preparing to defend their Super Bowl title during the 2026 season, a change of scenery for Walker doesn't seem to be highly likely.