An NFL analyst recently recommended that the Seattle Seahawks consider moving on from their star running back, Kenneth Walker III, despite his recent Super Bowl MVP performance. This suggestion comes as free agency approaches, stirring intense debate among Seahawks supporters about the team’s future direction.
Walker, who helped lead Seattle to a Super Bowl win less than two weeks ago, now faces uncertainty just as his reputation is at its peak. The timing of the analyst’s advice highlights the difficult choices Seahawks management must make regarding their roster.
Colin Cowherd Raises the Possibility of Releasing Super Bowl MVP Walker
During a recent segment on The Herd, NFL analyst Colin Cowherd discussed candidates for franchise tags this offseason and turned his attention to the Seahawks and Kenneth Walker III, who is set to be a free agent. Despite Walker’s Super Bowl MVP recognition, Cowherd argued there is a logical case for letting him go.
“There’s a very rational argument to let him go. These are the tough decisions you have to make so a one-time championship has the potential to become a dynasty.”
Cowherd’s perspective emphasizes the long-term view required for building sustained success in the NFL, even if it means parting from a player with recent accomplishments.
Analyzing Kenneth Walker III’s Performance and Limitations
Walker demonstrated his talent during Seattle’s 2025-26 postseason, averaging outstanding statistics across three playoff games, including 4.8 yards per carry, 104.3 rushing yards per game, 34.7 receiving yards per game, and four total touchdowns. However, his overall regular-season performance was less dominant, with a 65.8 RB Impact score placing him 20th among running backs over 17 games.
In addition to statistical concerns, Cowherd critiqued Walker’s versatility and durability:
“He can’t catch the ball out of the backfield or passblock. Hes kind of one dimensional… He gets hurt a lot.”
This assessment suggests that while Walker excelled under pressure in the playoffs, persistent limitations and injury issues might reduce his long-term value to the Seahawks.
Seattle’s Team Management Strategy and Its Implications for Walker’s Future
Cowherd also praised Seahawks general manager John Schneider, calling him arguably the best in the league, particularly for his avoidance of franchise tagging players. Schneider’s approach aims to keep the team flexible and avoid being constrained by expensive contracts, which could influence Walker’s status.
“He doesn’t franchise tag. He doesn’t want to get backed into a corner… My guess is, they can’t keep him.”
This indicates that the organization might be preparing to let Walker enter free agency, despite his key role in their recent championship run.
The Long-Term Outlook for Kenneth Walker III and the Seahawks
Running backs typically experience a rapid decline after their initial peak, and a second contract for Walker is expected to be a multi-year deal worth over $10 million annually, which poses a significant investment risk for Seattle. The franchise’s impressive drafting and player development record suggest they are willing to explore alternatives rather than commit large resources to Walker.
If Walker does not re-sign with the Seahawks, multiple other NFL teams are likely to pursue him as a primary running back, given his proven playoff performance and MVP status. The franchise tag deadline on March 3 means Seahawks fans must remain patient before a final decision on Walker’s future with the team is confirmed.
"There's a very rational argument to let him go… These are the tough decisions you have to make so a one-time championship has the potential to be a dynasty."@colincowherd weighs in on if the Seahawks should move on from Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker pic.twitter.com/aUBZCv3gCi
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 17, 2026
