Trending Now - Seahawks Pass on Franchise Tag, Opening Door for Walker's Future

WHO:

Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker III, running back and reigning Super Bowl MVP

John Schneider, general manager and president of football operations for the Seahawks

Breece Hall, running back for the New York Jets

Other Seahawks unrestricted free agents: Riq Woolen, Rashid Shaheed, Josh Jobe, Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe, Chazz Surratt, Dareke Young, Josh Jones

Teams interested in Walker: New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs

WHAT:

The Seattle Seahawks did not use the franchise or transition tag on any of their unrestricted free agents, including Kenneth Walker III, by the deadline on March 5, 2026.

Kenneth Walker III will become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL's new league year starts on March 11, 2026.

Breece Hall received a franchise tag worth $14.3 million.

Kenneth Walker rushed for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022, 905 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023, and 1,027 yards and five touchdowns in 2024.

Walker rushed for 313 yards and four touchdowns in three playoff games in 2025, including 135 yards in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

The Broncos are expected to pursue Kenneth Walker, with potential contract offers ranging from $12 to $16 million per year.

WHERE:

Seattle, Washington (Seattle Seahawks)

New York (New York Jets)

Kansas City, Missouri (Kansas City Chiefs)

Denver, Colorado (Denver Broncos)

WHEN:

Deadline for franchise or transition tag: March 5, 2026

Start of the NFL's new league year: March 11, 2026

Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots: 2025 season

WHY:

The Seahawks' decision not to tag Walker aligns with John Schneider's historical approach, as the franchise has only used the tag twice since 2010.

The Seahawks are facing upcoming contract extensions for multiple star players, including quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

HOW:

The Seahawks can negotiate with their own free agents at any time and have previously re-signed players just before the start of free agency.

The Seattle Seahawks have chosen not to use the franchise or transition tag on any of their unrestricted free agents, including star running back Kenneth Walker III, by the deadline today. As a result, Walker will become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL's new league year begins on March 11, and he is expected to attract interest from several teams, including the Denver Broncos, who may offer him between $12 to $16 million per year. Meanwhile, Breece Hall of the New York Jets has received a franchise tag worth $14.3 million, highlighting the contrasting strategies teams are taking as they prepare for the upcoming season.