Seahawks Unlikely to Tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III After 29-13 Victory

Following a 135-yard rushing performance in Super Bowl LX, Kenneth Walker III is expected to hit free agency as Seattle avoids the $14.5 million franchise tag.

The Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to place the franchise tag on running back Kenneth Walker III following his Super Bowl MVP performance in a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. League sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday that the organization plans to move in a different direction as the NFL's tagging window opens. Walker dominated Super Bowl LX, rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries and adding 26 receiving yards on two catches. This performance made him the first running back to earn the game's MVP honors since Terrell Davis achieved the feat for the Denver Broncos following the 1997 season in Super Bowl XXXII.

Financial constraints and roster management are driving this decision, as the team faces significant Super Bowl tax costs this offseason. Kenneth Walker III is currently finishing his rookie contract, which carried a salary cap hit of just under $2.7 million. If the Seahawks were to apply the franchise tag, the projected cost for the running back position would jump to $14.5 million. Alternatively, a transition tag would require an $11.7 million commitment. General manager John Schneider has historically avoided this roster tool, utilizing the franchise tag only twice during his 16-season tenure in Seattle.

Seattle Roster Priorities and Free Agency

Seattle's front office intends to prioritize the retention of multiple internal free agents rather than dedicating a large portion of the cap to a single tag. Beyond the backfield, the team is looking to negotiate a contract extension for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The window for NFL teams to apply franchise or transition designations begins this Tuesday and runs through March 3. If no agreement or tag is reached by that deadline, Walker will become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career this March.

During the regular season, the Seahawks utilized a backfield platoon featuring both Walker and Zach Charbonnet. Walker finished the campaign with 1,027 rushing yards on 221 attempts, finding the end zone five times. However, the depth chart shifted significantly during the postseason after Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the divisional round. This injury forced Walker into a primary workhorse role, where he excelled by totaling 417 scrimmage yards to lead all NFL players during the playoff run.

Historical Context of the Running Back MVP

Walker’s postseason workload proved essential to Seattle's championship success, particularly after losing his primary backfield partner. His 135-yard output against the Patriots cemented his status as a premier offensive weapon, yet the $14.5 million tag remains a hurdle. By reaching the 1,000-yard milestone on 221 carries, he averaged approximately 4.6 yards per attempt during the regular season before elevating his production in the tournament.

His achievement in Super Bowl LX ended a long drought for his position in the MVP voting. Since Terrell Davis led the Broncos to a title in 1998, the award had been dominated by other positions. Walker’s 29 total touches in the title game accounted for 161 of the team's total yards, providing the bulk of the offensive momentum in the 16-point win over New England.

Future Outlook for the Seahawks Backfield

With the March 3 deadline approaching, the Seahawks must balance their desire to keep the Super Bowl MVP with the reality of their cap situation. The $11.7 million transition tag remains a cheaper alternative to the franchise tag, though sources indicate even that move is currently viewed as improbable. The team’s focus remains on a broader strategy of signing several players rather than one high-cost specialist.

As Walker enters the market, he does so with the momentum of a postseason where he accounted for over 400 yards of offense. The transition from a rookie deal worth less than $3 million to a potential market-value contract represents a significant jump in his career earnings. Seattle's decision-making process will be monitored closely as they attempt to navigate the costs associated with their recent championship while maintaining a competitive roster around Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the remaining core.