Kenneth Walker III, the Seattle Seahawks running back who was named Super Bowl MVP after his standout performance in the team’s 29-13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, has denied engaging in any contract negotiations during the team’s Super Bowl parade on Wednesday. The MVP rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries, adding 26 receiving yards, fueling speculation about a new deal following the championship.
At the parade, Seahawks general manager John Schneider publicly joked about contract talks, telling the crowd of nearly a million fans that Walker had already tried negotiating with him. Schneider’s announcement sparked curiosity and excitement about Walker’s future with the franchise.
“Ken Walker being the MVP, let’s go!” Schneider yelled to nearly a million fans at the parade celebration. “He tried negotiating with me five minutes ago. It was really weird. Anyway. hey, M-V-P! M-V-P!”
However, Walker quickly responded by sharing the parade footage on his Instagram story alongside a message rejecting the idea that any discussion occurred, injecting humor into the situation.
“Must’ve been da liquor he drinking cuz I never said dat shi!” Walker wrote on his IG story, followed by two laughing emojis.
Walker’s Journey With the Seahawks and Contract Status
Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Kenneth Walker III initially signed a four-year rookie contract valued at approximately $8.4 million. As his rookie deal nears expiration, he is positioned to become a free agent in the upcoming offseason. Despite this, the Seahawks are expected to pursue an extension, aiming to keep their emerging star running back on the roster.
Walker’s contributions during the 2025 season cemented his value to Seattle’s offense. He logged 1,027 rushing yards with five touchdowns across 221 attempts, supplemented by 282 receiving yards through 31 catches. His efforts were integral to the Seahawks capturing the NFC West division title and securing the top seed in the conference playoffs.
Throughout the postseason, Walker maintained his high level of play, accumulating 313 rushing yards, four touchdowns on 65 carries, and adding 104 yards on 11 receptions.
Walker Expresses Commitment to Seattle Following Championship Victory
After the triumph in the Super Bowl, Walker expressed a strong desire to continue his career with the Seahawks, highlighting his connection to the city and the team.
“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 after the championship game win, per NFL.com’s Kevin Patra. “So if it was my choice, though, I’d definitely stay.”
Walker’s statement offers insight into his personal inclination to remain with Seattle, although a formal contract negotiation has yet to be publicly confirmed beyond Schneider’s lighthearted comments during the parade.
Implications for Seahawks and Walker’s Future
The dispute over whether contract talks occurred at the Super Bowl parade highlights the tension surrounding Walker’s impending free agency. His impressive performance in the championship game and throughout the season makes him a valuable asset both to the Seahawks and potentially other NFL teams looking to strengthen their backfield.
The Seahawks’ management appears eager to retain Walker’s talents, which would provide continuity to a team fresh off a Super Bowl victory. What follows will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as a successful negotiation could keep Seattle’s offense dynamic, while failure to secure Walker’s commitment could trigger significant roster changes.
