Kenneth Walker III Explains Leaving Seahawks for Chiefs Contract, Praises Patrick Mahomes

Despite winning a Super Bowl title with the Seattle Seahawks this past season, rising star running back Kenneth Walker III opted to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs after becoming a free agent.

The Super Bowl LX MVP told reporters on Thursday that his decision to sign with the Chiefs came down to the team's desire to add him to the fold.

"You feel appreciated and wanted," Walker said. "Everybody wants that. … I'm just trying to get another [Super Bowl ring]."

The 25-year-old added that he was attracted to Kansas City because of its status as a perennial title contender.

"It's a winning culture, watching over the years. Plenty of Super Bowls, they know what it takes to win," he said.

Per ESPN's Brady Henderson, the Chiefs gave Walker a three-year deal with a $43.05 million base value and $28.7 million fully guaranteed. He's now the fourth-highest-paid running back in the NFL, per Over the Cap.

Walker's signing immediately drew a big reaction from Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and the speedster said he's already connected with his new signal-caller.

"We talked on the phone. He's a real genuine person," Walker said of Mahomes.

Mahomes is working his way back from a torn ACL, so Walker's presence will undoubtedly help stabilize the Chiefs' offense as they try to climb back into title contention in 2026.