Life moves fast in NFL free agency, and sometimes the initial news changes. NFL free agency deals cannot be signed until Wendesday, March 11, 2026, but the Seattle Seahawks were already dealt some brutal news.
Unfortunately for the Seahawks, it looks like the rumors surrounding Walker are true. Free agents like Walker can agree to terms with a new team beginning on Monday, March 9.
Just minutes after news broke that Walker was headed to the Kansas City Chiefs, the playmaker confirmed the rumor with a two-word post on social media.
“𝒞𝒽𝒾ℯ𝒻𝓈 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝓰𝒹ℴ𝓂,” Walker posted in a March 9, message on both X and Instagram featuring himself wearing a Chiefs uniform.
The news means that the Seahawks are now in the market for a new starting running back.
Seahawks Rumors: Kenneth Walker Landed a Historic $45 Million Contract Offer to Bolt Seattle for the Chiefs
Heading into NFL free agency, the latest buzz was that the Seahawks were prepared for Walker to play elsewhere in 2026. Despite having nearly $60 million in projected cap space, the Seahawks were unwilling to sign Walker to the lucrative new deal that the market commanded.
Walker landed a historic $45 million contract offer from the Chiefs, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“It’s a three-year deal worth up to $45 million for Kenneth Walker III, who becomes the highest-paid free agent deal for a running back in nfl history,” Pelissero noted in a March 9, message on X.
The devil is in the details, and it will be interesting to see how much of Walker’s new deal is guaranteed. It is worth noting that the $45 million number is likely what Walker would earn if incentives are reached.
“John Schneider was never going to climb anywhere close to $15 million per year to re-sign Ken Walker III,” Emerald Spectrum’s Corbin Smith posted on X after news broke of Walker’s new agreement. “No surprises here.”
Who Do the Seahawks Sign to Replace Ken Walker?
The Seahawks will need to quickly pivot to find a new running back or potentially sign multiple cheaper options at the position. As a reminder, Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury.
The Seahawks could look to sign a veteran free agent like Brian Robinson or Rachaad White. There is also the chance Seattle could turn to the draft and select a top running back prospect.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s latest NFL mock draft has the Seahawks selecting Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price in the second round with the No. 64 overall pick.
“With Kenneth Walker III expected to sign elsewhere and Zach Charbonnet working back from a knee injury, Seattle will be active in the running back market,” Brugler detailed in a March 4, story titled, “2026 NFL mock draft: Jeremiyah Love joins Fernando Mendoza in top 5 after scouting combine.” “Price has NFL starting-caliber talent with his run instincts and contact balance.”
At the start of free agency, it has been only bad news for Seattle with the departures of Walker and Coby Bryant. This could ultimately change as the Seahawks start to use some of the team’s cap space to make moves.
Kenneth Walker Confirms Seahawks’ Biggest Fears Amid NFL Free Agency Rumors