Report: Seattle Seahawks not franchise tagging Kenneth Walker, will become unrestricted free agent

One month ago, Kenneth Walker helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win, awarded the game’s MVP in the process. Now, his time with Seattle could be coming to an end.

According to ESPN’s Peter Schrager, the franchise is opting not to franchise tag the star running back. That means he’ll become a “pure, unrestricted free agent at the start of the league year,” free to sign wherever he chooses.

A return to Seattle isn’t off the table, but the former Michigan State star will test the market. Schrager’s report comes after his ESPN colleague Adam Schefter revealed the Seahawks’ attention is elsewhere at the moment: “The Seahawks have multiple free agents they want to retain and sign,” Schefter reported.

“They also will try to extend wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There are enough Super-Bowl tax costs that now make using a franchise tag this off-season unlikely.”

Alas, it was all fun and games when general manager John Scheider joked that Walker tried to negotiate a deal during the Super Bowl parade. Now, with Walker potentially commanding big bucks, his return is beginning to seem a bit unlikely.

“Ken Walker being the MVP, let’s go!” Schneider stated. “He tried negotiating with me five minutes ago. It was really weird. M-V-P! M-V-P!”

Moreover, Walker capped a storybook run by starring in the Seahawks’ 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots. He finished with 27 carries for 135 rushing yards, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt, and added two receptions for 26 yards. 

His dominance came early, as Walker piled up 94 rushing yards in the first half, the most in a Super Bowl first half since at least 1991, according to Up & Adams producer Matt Hamilton, and the highest since Timmy Smith’s 122 yards in Super Bowl XXII.

Over the course of the regular season, Walker ran 221 times for 1,027 yards, five touchdowns and 4.6 yards per carry. He added 31 catches for 282 yards. Through four years with the Seahawks, Walker has 3,555 yards, 29 touchdowns and 4.3 yards per carry. In addition, Walker has 133 catches for 1,005 yards and two scores.

“It’s a dream come true,” the running back said. “A lot of people play their whole career and never make it this far.”

Whether it’s with Seattle or a different team, the job remains the same for Walker. He’ll be looking to get back to the Super Bowl once again next season and build on an impressive 2025.

— On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this article.