Following their appearance in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots on Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks are preparing to make major decisions regarding quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Kenneth Walker III. Central to the discussion is the management of Darnold’s $15 million roster bonus due February 13, alongside considerations for contract extensions and future team composition.
Details on Sam Darnold’s Upcoming Contract Deadline and Team Strategy
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Seahawks technically have the option to release Darnold before February 13 to avoid paying his roster bonus. However, given his pivotal role in guiding Seattle to the Super Bowl in his first season with the team, it is expected that the Seahawks will pay the $15 million bonus and his 2026 salary, totaling $27.5 million. The larger question remains whether the Seahawks will pursue a contract extension for Darnold, who has two years left on his current deal. Graziano points out the team’s historical reluctance to extend players prematurely, adding uncertainty to Darnold’s long-term status.
Kenneth Walker III’s Role and Free Agency Prospects
Kenneth Walker III faces a different contract scenario, as he is eligible for unrestricted free agency this offseason if Seattle opts not to re-sign or apply the franchise tag. Walker is anticipated to attract significant interest from other teams due to his strong performance. However, the Seahawks might face financial challenges in retaining him because they need to accommodate contract extensions for other key players like wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Sam Darnold’s Journey to Stability in Seattle
At 28 years old, Sam Darnold has finally established himself as a starting quarterback after several seasons marked by team changes. Selected third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, he spent time with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings before signing a three-year contract with the Seahawks. His breakout season came in Minnesota where he threw for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, paving the way for his Seattle opportunity.
During the recent season, Darnold led the Seahawks to a 14-3 record and secured the top seed in the NFC. He completed 67.7% of his passes, tallying 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. His postseason performance peaked in the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, where he passed for 346 yards and three touchdowns without turnovers, heightening expectations that he could soon win the Lombardi Trophy.
Production and Outlook for Kenneth Walker III as Seattle’s Primary Running Back
Kenneth Walker III, a 25-year-old second-round pick from Michigan State in 2022, has been a highly effective runner when given opportunity. After rushing for over 1,000 yards as a rookie, he recorded 1,027 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, along with a career-best 1,309 yards from scrimmage. He shared carries with Zach Charbonnet over recent seasons until Charbonnet’s ACL tear late in 2025.
As Seattle’s lead back during the playoffs, Walker impressed with 178 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and seven receptions for 78 yards across two postseason games. His role is likely to expand further if Charbonnet’s return by the start of 2026 remains uncertain. Whether general manager John Schneider commits significant resources to retaining Walker will be a pivotal factor in Seattle’s strategy moving forward.
Implications for Seattle’s Roster and Future Plans
With the Seahawks needing to balance investments in star players such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon, managing the contracts of Sam Darnold and Kenneth Walker III will be crucial this offseason. Darnold’s proven leadership and recent success position him as a valuable asset that the team is inclined to keep, while Walker’s potential and playoff performance place him among the key contributors Seattle may want to secure. How they navigate these decisions will impact the team’s competitiveness in upcoming seasons.
