The reigning Super Bowl MVP is headed toward free agency and a potential pay day.
The Seattle Seahawks declined to use the franchise tag on Kenneth Walker III ahead of Tuesday's deadline, meaning unless he and the team reach an agreement before free agency opens next week, Walker will test the open market.
So where might the star of Super Bowl LX land? How much might a running back who has only barely broken 1,000 yards twice (in the regular season) in four years command in salary? We have one week to make our predictions; it's time to forecast where K9 is headed in 2026.
Here's a look at six potential new homes for Walker if he leaves Seattle:
Despite head coach Dave Canales' insistence on establishing a tandem backfield with Chuba Hubbard, it became clear that Rico Dowdle was Carolina's best back in 2025, logging 1,076 rushing yards and six rushing scores on 236 attempts. Dowdle is also headed toward free agency in 2026. Hubbard returns on his rookie deal, but it would behoove the Panthers to both replace Dowdle and also attempt to improve their 19th-ranked rushing attack, especially with another pivotal season approaching for quarterback Bryce Young. Walker enters the conversation because of this need and also because of Canales' connection to Walker. Canales served on Pete Carroll's staff in Seattle as quarterbacks coach in 2022, Walker's rookie season with the Seahawks, and Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik was also in Seattle in 2022 as an assistant receivers coach before following Canales to Tampa Bay and Carolina. In a huge league that operates in a small world, familiarity often drives new pairings. With a little over $9 million in available cap, the Panthers will need to clear some space in order to make multiple additions to their roster, especially given that Walker will likely command roughly $9 million per year with his next contract. But the pairing makes sense, especially when considering how much Canales likes to lean on a tandem behind center.
Speaking of tandems and familiarity, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak is now manning the top job in Las Vegas and has already publicly stated he'd like to add a running mate for 2025 first-rounder and former Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty. In theory, it's a splendid idea, but these Raiders have needs almost everywhere and need to dedicate resources toward reconstructing what was the worst offensive line in the NFL last season. However, because we're projecting and living in a dreamland, why not pair Walker with the OC who guided the Michigan State product to the best season of his career, capped by a memorable showing on the sport's biggest stage? After all, if projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza is going to have a decent chance of turning around the Raiders, he'll need quality support from the teammates to whom he is handing the ball in 2026. Walker would fill that need and serve as one half of a high-potential tandem wearing Silver and Black.
Arizona's season fell off a cliff shortly after James Conner was lost to a season-ending injury in Week 3, underscoring the Cardinals' significant reliance on the rugged back. Conner is still on the roster and could be back in 2026, but GM Monti Ossenfort cannot afford to leave new coach Mike LaFleur with the same backfield that was entirely ineffective following Conner's departure. A hypothetical trio of Walker, Conner and Trey Benson looks much better than a group that doesn't include a player of Walker's caliber. Convincing Walker to move to the desert -- and to the only NFC West team to not reach the playoffs in 2025 -- will likely require an above market rate offer, though.
With all due respect to RJ Harvey and his rookie season performance, it's clear the Broncos need more juice at the position. Their 2025 leading rusher, J.K. Dobbins (772 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 10 games), is headed to free agency. Despite his minimal usage, it's fair to expect restricted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin to return. The same is true for exclusive rights free agent Tyler Badie. But if the Broncos truly want to build on their excellent 2025 showing, they'd be wise to pursue an upgrade in their backfield and throw some cash at Walker. With $25.2 million in available cap space, they can get that done.
Washington has a ton of cap space ($72.3 million) entering 2026 and plenty of needs on both sides of the ball. After watching Austin Ekeler's season end via a non-contact injury early in the campaign and leaning on rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. for a combined result of 1,305 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores, one might believe the Commanders are in a fine position. It's not entirely inaccurate, but in the season of turning over every stone in order to improve the roster, Washington should at minimum explore a potential partnership with Walker. Jayden Daniels could undoubtedly use a threat like Walker lining up next to him, especially after Daniels' health issues cost him 10 games in his sophomore season. Dan Quinn and Co. owe it to themselves and the Washington fan base to at least consider it, especially after they fell incredibly short of expectations in 2025.
Unless significant cap gymnastics make it possible -- the Vikings are currently more than $46 million over the cap, with roughly $18 million expected in gains if they release Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave -- this one probably isn't going to happen. But as far as needs are concerned, Minnesota is squarely in the market for a running back. Jones' anticipated departure leaves the Vikings with two running backs under contract for 2026: Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott. I'd expect interim GM Rob Brzezinski to pore over the position in this draft class and also spend plenty of time exploring free agent options in a class headlined by Walker, whose dynamic abilities would serve as an excellent complement to whomever Minnesota settles on as its starting quarterback.