At the NFL combine on Tuesday, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider expressed the team’s strong interest in re-signing Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, emphasizing the desire to keep him rather than letting him enter free agency. However, Schneider made clear that the decision hinges on how Walker fits into the Seahawks’ overall strategy for the upcoming season. While the franchise tag remains a possibility, Schneider refrained from revealing whether the team plans to use it on Walker. It is widely expected that Seattle will opt against the franchise tag, despite Walker’s standout playoff performance and MVP recognition.
Several factors will influence the Seahawks’ approach, including the contraction of a torn ACL by teammate Zach Charbonnet during the playoffs, which could impact the backfield’s depth and the team’s roster decisions. Additionally, an extension for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is anticipated to be a higher priority. Walker, a former second-round pick, has faced injury concerns in previous seasons but managed to play all 17 regular-season games in 2025, rushing for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries. If he reaches free agency, he will rank among the most sought-after running backs during the offseason.
Other Seahawks Players Influencing Team’s Offseason Moves
Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Rising Star and Contract Outlook
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks’ dynamic wide receiver and 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, is fresh off a historic season but is not rushing to finalize a new contract. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, Smith-Njigba has declared he expects to
“be the highest-paid in my position,”
signaling the wide receiver’s confidence in his value. This would likely translate into an extension with an average annual value exceeding $40 million. The Seahawks hold the option to exercise a fifth-year extension on Smith-Njigba’s rookie contract by May 1, but management aims to reach a long-term agreement during this offseason.
At only 24 years old, Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards, setting a franchise record, despite Seattle’s run-heavy offense. He also scored 10 touchdowns and showcased his postseason prowess with 199 receiving yards and two touchdowns across three playoff games. Ranking second only to Puka Nacua in total fantasy points for the 2025 season, Smith-Njigba is projected to be a valuable first-round pick in upcoming fantasy drafts.
Zach Charbonnet Faces Recovery Following Knee Surgery
Seattle running back Zach Charbonnet underwent surgery on a torn ACL last Friday, putting his 2026 season availability in question, according to reports from Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. Having sustained the injury during the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, Charbonnet’s recovery timeline likely extends beyond the start of the next season. While the Seahawks have not provided a firm return date, it appears improbable that he will be ready for the early weeks of the 2026 campaign.
Charbonnet, 25, saw increased playing time alongside Kenneth Walker III in 2025, establishing personal bests with 184 carries, 730 rushing yards, and 12 touchdowns over 16 regular-season games. His absence will affect Seattle’s backfield depth, and with Walker entering free agency, Charbonnet’s role may evolve depending on contract outcomes. However, his fantasy value is expected to dip this season due to limited playing availability post-surgery.
Rashid Shaheed Expresses Desire to Continue with Seahawks
Wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed, who joined the Seahawks in a mid-2025 trade from the New Orleans Saints, has publicly stated he “would love” to remain with Seattle, as reported by NFL Network’s Judy Battista and Bridget Condon. At 27 years old, Shaheed provided the Seahawks with a critical deep threat and special teams explosiveness during their Super Bowl-winning season.
Before the trade, Shaheed averaged career highs in receptions (4.9 catches per game) and receiving yards (55.4 per game) with New Orleans. Though his receiving volume dipped after the trade—catching 15 of 26 targets for 188 yards without touchdowns over nine regular-season games in Seattle—he contributed three kickoff return touchdowns in the postseason, including one against the 49ers. Shaheed’s future could remain dynamic, with potential for both boom and bust fantasy production depending on his role and team placement in free agency.
AJ Barner Emerges as a Key Tight End in Seattle’s Offense
Tight end AJ Barner showed significant development in his second NFL season, ranking as the 14th-best tight end in PPR leagues during 2025. Barner remained healthy for all 17 games, accumulating 52 receptions, 519 yards, and six touchdowns in the Seahawks’ offense that ultimately captured the Super Bowl LX title.
Barner’s emergence came as he outperformed rookie Elijah Arroyo, who had been expected to compete for the top tight end role. While Arroyo is likely to see increased opportunities in 2026, Barner is predicted to remain quarterback Sam Darnold’s primary tight end target, especially in scoring situations. Barner’s trajectory makes him an enticing option in both dynasty and redraft fantasy leagues, with potential to rank near the top 10 at his position in future seasons.
Tory Horton’s Upside as a Potential Sleeper for 2026
Wide receiver Tory Horton showed flashes of significant promise before a shin injury ended his rookie season prematurely. Over the final seven games of 2025, Horton caught five touchdowns while providing explosive downfield play that complemented Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s precise route-running. After Horton’s injury, the Seahawks’ offense leaned on alternative options like Rashid Shaheed, who could not replicate Horton’s production.
With Shaheed potentially heading into free agency and veteran Cooper Kupp turning 33 before the upcoming season, Horton might receive increased chances to secure a role in two-wide receiver sets. His value is expected to rise steadily as the 2026 season approaches, positioning him as a sleeper to watch among Seattle’s receiving corps.
Seattle’s Strategy for Kenneth Walker III May Influence Roster and Salary Cap Planning
Despite the Seahawks’ evident interest in keeping Kenneth Walker III, it seems unlikely they will apply the franchise tag, based on reporting from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Walker’s contract situation remains uncertain, and the franchise tag would command a salary near $14 million for 2026, a substantial figure that the team might prefer to allocate elsewhere.
Walker had a breakout season in 2025, staying healthy for all 17 regular-season games and accumulating 1,309 scrimmage yards with five touchdowns while sharing carries with Charbonnet. His postseason performance was particularly impressive, carrying the ball 65 times for 313 yards and four touchdowns across three games and earning Super Bowl MVP honors after his 27-carry, 135-yard effort in the championship win over the New England Patriots.
While the Seahawks want to retain him, their priorities include extending Jaxon Smith-Njigba and re-signing other free agents, leaving Walker’s contract fate open. Should Walker sign elsewhere, Charbonnet could potentially take the lead back role once healthy, though Charbonnet’s recent ACL injury complicates the backfield outlook. Walker’s injury history and the presence of emerging backs contribute to the delicate balance Seattle must strike as it approaches free agency.
Implications for Seahawks’ Future and NFL Free Agency Landscape
Kenneth Walker III’s pending free agency represents a critical juncture for the Seattle Seahawks, whose decisions will impact both their immediate competitiveness and salary cap flexibility. The team faces a challenging choice in balancing high-profile contract extensions for players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the need to secure key contributors in the backfield and receiving unit.
Walker’s status also has ripple effects for other players, including Zach Charbonnet’s recovery and role, Rashid Shaheed’s contract future, and the development of younger talents like Tory Horton and AJ Barner. As free agency unfolds, the Seahawks must navigate these uncertainties carefully to sustain their recent success and build toward continued playoff contention.
The 2026 season will test Seattle’s roster management acumen, particularly as Walker aims to capitalize on his recent rise, Smith-Njigba seeks a landmark contract, and the team works to address key health questions in the running back room. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the Seahawks manage these pivotal decisions in the coming months.
