Kenneth Walker III
Running Back #9
Kenneth Walker III News
Is Kenneth Walker III a Top-10 Dynasty Running Back?
The Kansas City Chiefs made a big splash in the early portion of free agency by signing running back Kenneth Walker III away from the reigning Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks. Across 17 games with Seattle in 2025, Walker III recorded 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 252 touches. The 25-year-old spent most of the year splitting touches with fellow Seahawks back Zach Charbonnet (knee) until Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the NFC Divisional Round. In Kansas City, Walker III should be the clear number one back and could easily set a career-high in touches. While the Chiefs may be without quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) in the early portion of 2026 as Mahomes recovers from a knee injury, Walker III should be well-positioned for success in an offense that is typically one of the NFL's best. As long as he can stay healthy, Walker III has a clear pathway to fantasy RB1 production for the duration of his three-year contract in Kansas City.
Mar 12, 2026 6:18 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III Signing With the Chiefs
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is signing a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. It's about the best possible landing spot for Walker, who was named Super Bowl LX MVP last month. The Chiefs were in desperate need of backfield help with both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt hitting free agency this week. The 25-year-old Walker will help stabilize KC's backfield as they look to get back to the postseason in 2026. Walker had 1,027 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 221 carries in 17 regular-season starts last year, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards through the air. Seattle paired Walker with Zach Charbonnet (knee) to keep him healthy for a full season for the first time in his career. Walker added 313 rushing yards and four TDs in three postseason games to raise his price in free agency even more. Now in KC, Walker will have plenty of upside as a high-end RB2/low-end RB1 in fantasy.
Mar 9, 2026 8:43 AM EST
Giants Priced Out of Kenneth Walker III's Market
SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the New York Giants were very in on Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III, "but the price simply got too high." The same can be said for Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum. Despite already having Cam Skattebo (ankle) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. in their backfield for 2026, the Giants are invested in the RB market this offseason under new head coach John Harbaugh. After finally playing a full season in his fourth year in the NFL, Walker produced his second 1,000-yard rushing season in 17 regular-season starts. The former second-rounder saved his best for the postseason, though, rushing for a league-high 313 yards and four touchdowns on his way to being named Super Bowl LX MVP. Although Walker is still an injury risk in fantasy, he will be the market-setter at the position in free agency and could command up to $15 million per year on a new contract.
Mar 8, 2026 8:39 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III to be the Market-Setter at Running Back Position?
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III "seems to be the market-setter as it stands" at the RB position this offseason. Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. will also have a very strong market. Some teams around the league are setting the market's ceiling at around $12 million. Fowler adds that Walker will consider the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans. Depending on price ranges, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs also check in on Walker, the Super Bowl LX MVP. Even though last year was Walker's only full season in his four years in the NFL, the 25-year-old's stock is up after a strong finish in last year's postseason. Walker's 2026 fantasy value will depend on his landing spot, but fantasy managers must remember that the former second-rounder was splitting touches pretty evenly with Zach Charbonnet during the regular season. Walker finished with his second 1,000-rushing season in 2025 but found the end zone a career-low five times in 17 starts.
Mar 8, 2026 9:39 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III Won't Get the Franchise Tag
Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III will not get the franchise tag on Tuesday, sources told Peter Schrager of ESPN. Walker will become an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year and will be one of the top options at the position on the open market after his strong finish to the 2025 season in the playoffs. It doesn't mean that Seattle won't bring Walker back, but they'll have plenty of competition for his services. The 25-year-old was finally able to play a full season last year, which resulted in his second career 1,000-yard season while adding five rushing touchdowns on 221 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season games. He was even better in three postseason games, rushing for 313 yards and four TDs on 65 carries. Walker has proven to be an efficient ball-carrier in his four years with Seattle, but lower-body injuries have plagued him, which will make him a risk/reward fantasy selection in a potential timeshare in 2026.
Mar 3, 2026 7:19 AM EST
Giants Heavily Involved in Kenneth Walker III's Market
The New York Giants are "heavily involved" in the running back market this offseason, both in free agency and the NFL draft, and SNY's Connor Hughes says to expect a strong push for established free-agent options, including Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent RB Kenneth Walker III. The Giants are also very interested in Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love and are expected to discuss him deeper into the draft process. New York already has Cam Skattebo (ankle) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. in their backfield, but perhaps they're wondering how long Skattebo will be able to hold up, given his physical style of play. The 25-year-old Walker finally stayed healthy for a full season and had 1,027 rushing yards and a career-low five touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He was even better in the playoffs, running for 313 yards and four touchdowns in three games, culminating in a Super Bowl MVP award. Walker will be one of the top available free-agent RBs this offseason, although a move to New York could put him in a three-headed monster backfield committee.
Mar 2, 2026 6:05 AM EST
Chiefs Could Go After Kenneth Walker III in Free Agency
The Kansas City Chiefs could be a team to monitor in the market for Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III this offseason, with Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer saying that KC "looms as an interesting suitor" for the Super Bowl LX MVP. The Houston Texans are another team that has already been tied to Walker, and the Denver Broncos also seem like a good bet to be interested. Coming off his impressive postseason run to help the Seahawks lift the Lombardi Trophy, Walker figures to be one of, if not the best, RB available on the open market come next month. Seattle is not expected to place the franchise tag on Walker. The 2025 season was the first time Walker played all 17 games, and he ran for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are both free agents for the Chiefs, so if Walker were to sign in KC, he'd be in line for an RB1 role as the team looks to bounce back from missing the postseason in 2025.
Feb 27, 2026 1:06 PM EST
Texans Linked to Kenneth Walker III
Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III is a name that "I've heard floated around" as a player the Houston Texans may target in free agency, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. The Seahawks don't plan to use the franchise tag on Walker, who was the Super Bowl MVP, but that doesn't mean he won't re-sign with the organization. Coming off a strong postseason showing that led to a championship, Walker is expected to be one of the best available RBs on the open market if he makes it to free agency. He's projected to make somewhere between $12 million to $14 million per year and would likely sign a three- or four-year contract. The 25-year-old finally was able to stay healthy all year in 2025 and finished with 1,027 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season while splitting time with Zach Charbonnet. If he were to land in Houston, Walker would split time with second-year back Woody Marks.
Feb 26, 2026 9:33 AM EST
Seahawks "Would Love" to Re-Sign Kenneth Walker III
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider said at the NFL combine on Tuesday that the team "obviously would love" to re-sign Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III instead of letting him get to free agency. However, it will depend on how he fits into the team's plans for the upcoming season. Schneider would not comment on whether the team will use the franchise tag on Walker. Despite winning Super Bowl MVP, the Seahawks are not expected to use the franchise tag on the 25-year-old. Playing into the decision will be the torn ACL that fellow RB Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered in the playoffs, but an extension for receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will likely be the priority. Walker, a former second-rounder, has had trouble staying healthy in the past, but he played in all 17 regular-season games in 2025, rushing for 1,027 yards and five TDs on 221 carries. If Walker makes it to free agency, he'll be one of the top RBs available this offseason.
Feb 24, 2026 4:45 PM EST
Seahawks Not Expected to Use Franchise Tag on Kenneth Walker III
The Seattle Seahawks are not expected to place the franchise tag on impending free agent running back Kenneth Walker III, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Walker capitalized on a contract year and put together a very impressive 2025 campaign. For the first time in his career, he was healthy for all 17 regular-season games. He tallied 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns while splitting work with Zach Charbonnet during the regular season, and he put the rushing workload on his back after Charbonnet tore his ACL during Seattle's first playoff game. Ultimately, Walker won Super Bowl MVP and could now fetch the largest contract among this year's free agent running backs. Schefter doesn't totally rule out a return to Seattle for Walker, but he does note that the team has other plans for its spending, including a Jaxon Smith-Njigba extension and re-signing other free agents.
Feb 17, 2026 4:24 AM EST
Seahawks Could Use Franchise Tag on Kenneth Walker III
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Seattle Seahawks could use the franchise or transition tag on impending free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III this offseason, even though the franchise tag would pay Walker around $14 million in 2026. The 25-year-old went Beast Mode in Seattle's three postseason games this year, carrying the ball 65 times for 313 yards and four touchdowns while adding nine catches for an additional 104 yards. The former second-rounder had 27 carries for 135 yards in the Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots and was named MVP. Walker made himself a lot of money for the 2026 season with his playoff exploits. It sounds like the Seahawks want to keep him around. He has been solid in his four years with Seattle, but lower-body injuries have been an issue. With Zach Charbonnet (knee) returning in 2026, there will be bust potential for Walker coming off the high of his postseason performance.
Feb 12, 2026 4:17 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III Runs Away With Super Bowl MVP Honors
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries during Sunday's Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots. He also caught two of four targets for an additional 26 receiving yards. Walker's spectacular postseason culminated in a terrific showing on the world's biggest stage. He averaged five yards per carry and broke off several big runs that helped the Seahawks clinch a Super Bowl title. For his efforts, he was also named Super Bowl MVP. Walker had a very impressive 2025 campaign, and it came during a contract year. For the first time in his career, he was healthy for all 17 regular-season games. He tallied 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns while splitting work with Zach Charbonnet during the regular season, and he put the rushing workload on his back after Charbonnet tore his ACL during Seattle's first playoff game. Walker will now enter free agency as arguably the top running back available, alongside players like Travis Etienne Jr. and Breece Hall. Walker's landing spot will paint a better picture of his fantasy value in 2026 drafts, but for now, he's a solid top-12 running back in all redraft formats, especially if he ends up back in Seattle.
Feb 9, 2026 12:32 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III: High-Upside DFS Running Back Option on Sunday
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has had an excellent postseason so far, recording 256 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 45 touches across two games played. The 25-year-old spent most of the 2025 regular season splitting work with fellow Seahawks back Zach Charbonnet (knee). However, Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in Seattle's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, ending his postseason early and leading to an increased workload for Walker III. Walker III didn't fully dominate backfield time in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, as Seahawks RB2 George Holani played 34% of the team's offensive snaps. However, Holani earned just six touches, compared to 23 for Walker III. In Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots, Walker III should remain a heavy feature of the Seahawks' offensive game plan. Walker III is one of the NFL's most explosive running backs, which makes him a high-upside DFS play on Sunday even at an elevated price.
Feb 7, 2026 5:59 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III Interested in Staying in Seattle
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, who is in the final year of the four-year, $8.44 million deal he signed in July of 2022, said he is interested in re-signing with the team in the offseason, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "I've been here four years, so you know I've gotten to know a lot of stuff about Seattle, and you know a lot of the city, and I feel like they feel good about me as well," Walker said. "So if it was my choice, though, I'd definitely stay." The 25-year-old has been key to the Seahawks' run to the Super Bowl this year, recording his second career 1,000-yard season and generating 100-plus scrimmage yards in three straight games, including the playoffs. Walker has 38 carries for 178 yards and four rushing touchdowns in two playoff games, tying for the most TDS in a single postseason in Seattle history. He matched his career high of 4.6 yards per carry while playing all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his four-year career. Walker is an explosive runner who will look to score for the third straight game in the Super Bowl against the Patriots on Sunday.
Feb 6, 2026 6:12 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III Continues Scoring Barrage to Send Seattle to Super Bowl
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III blew up for a season-high 116 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 19 carries in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. While Walker didn't have that big of a game in the NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, he did score his fourth rushing touchdown in the last two weeks. The 25-year-old continued to be a catalyst for Seattle's high-scoring offense and finished with 19 carries for the second straight week for 62 yards and the score. He also caught all four of his targets for 49 yards. Walker was the clear workhorse for Seattle -- with no other RB seeing more than three carries -- after Zach Charbonnet's (knee) season-ending tore ACL last week. He'll be the clear workhorse again in the Super Bowl in two weeks against the Patriots.
Jan 26, 2026 1:11 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III a Top RB Option for Championship Weekend
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III should be considered one of the top RB options in fantasy football playoff leagues heading into Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Walker had season-highs in carries (19), rushing yards (116), and rushing touchdowns (three) in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, and he should see heavy volume again as the unquestioned lead back now that Zach Charbonnet (knee) is out with a torn ACL. Walker excelled in two regular-season games versus the Rams, too, carrying the ball 27 times for a combined 167 yards (6.19 yards per carry) and two touchdowns while adding six receptions for another 108 yards. L.A.'s defense hasn't been as great late in the year, either, and they've allowed the 11th-most half-PPR points to RBs in the last five weeks.
Jan 23, 2026 7:59 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III has Been on a Tear
The loss of Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee), who tore his ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, is a significant one, but ESPN's Brady Henderson writes that it shouldn't matter if Kenneth Walker III "continues his recent tear." Walker had 19 carries for 116 yards and three touchdowns last Saturday in the win over the 49ers, and he finished with 100 yards in the big Week 16 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. In the regular-season finale against San Fran, he had 97 yards to put him over 1,000 rushing yards on the season. "I thought this was the most decisive he's ran up to this point, and as expected, you just keep getting better and keep finding ways to improve, especially in the run game. He's done a great job," head coach Mike Macdonald said. With Charbonnet now out, Walker's volume should increase, making him a top-three fantasy RB in the NFC Championship against the Rams.
Jan 21, 2026 1:44 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III Set Up for Significant Workload in the NFC Championship Game
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III posted a monster performance in his team's 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round, recording 145 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 22 touches. Walker III spent most of the 2025 regular season splitting touches with fellow Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee). However, Charbonnet suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his knee against San Francisco and will miss the remainder of Seattle's playoff run. As a result, Walker III projects to dominate his team's backfield touches in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. The 25-year-old is coming off the most efficient regular season of his career to this point, averaging 5.2 yards per touch. The Rams' defense has also been susceptible to the run game so far this postseason, allowing 243 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns across two games. Walker III could be in line for another big game in the NFC Championship.
Jan 20, 2026 6:20 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III Faces Favorable Matchup Despite Touchdown Drought
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III finished his fourth NFL season with 221 carries for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards as a pass-catcher. Walker posted a career-high in scrimmage yards (1309) but scored only five touchdowns, while backup Zach Charbonnet scored 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Since Week 4, Walker has scored two touchdowns, which ranks 48th in the NFL during that span. He faces a San Francisco 49ers defense that has given up the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs and the second-most receptions to the position this season. While Walker was productive in the Week 18 contest against the 49ers, totaling 133 scrimmage yards on 20 touches, if he can't find the end zone, his ceiling will be limited.
Jan 15, 2026 10:41 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III a High-Risk, High-Reward Running Back for Fantasy Playoffs
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III had an inconsistent 2025 season, but finished the year with 1,027 rushing yards on 221 carries (4.65 YPC) and five touchdowns. He also contributed 282 yards through the air on 31 receptions as well. The inconsistencies came on a week-to-week basis, as he split snaps and lost most of the goal-line work to Zach Charbonnet, the five touchdowns he scored were scattered across four weeks of the season, and his carries per game fluctuated between 10 and 17 weekly, which resulted in him being a risky RB2 start all season long, even with the final numbers being decent. Heading into the NFL playoffs and managers drafting in fantasy playoff formats, Walker will remain a high-risk, high-reward running back option. The Seahawks are locked into the No. 1 seed in the NFC, meaning they will not play in Wild Card Weekend and will likely face a somewhat difficult matchup the rest of the way, as most NFC teams have fairly good run defenses. Combine that with Charbonnet's involvement in the offense and quarterback Sam Darnold's inexperience in the playoffs, and it may be tough sledding for Walker and the Seahawks offense from a fantasy standpoint.
Jan 9, 2026 10:02 AM EST
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