The Seattle Seahawks have chosen not to apply the franchise tag to running back Kenneth Walker III, making him an unrestricted free agent heading into 2026. This decision sets the stage for significant competition among NFL teams aiming to acquire the Super Bowl MVP, who delivered a standout performance last season.
Although the Seahawks intend to negotiate with Walker, his availability in free agency positions him to attract intense interest from other franchises, especially within the NFC.
New York Giants Emerge as Contenders for Walker’s Signature
SNY reporter Connor Hughes has highlighted that the New York Giants are particularly interested in Kenneth Walker III as they look to bolster their roster. Viewed by many as a potential playoff contender, the Giants see Walker as a valuable asset to strengthen their backfield.
Hughes explained,
“Whether they land a player such as Seattle’s Kenneth Walker or Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love remains to be seen, but expect a strong push for established free agent options, including Walker and others,”
demonstrating the Giants’ focus on key free agents during their rebuilding process. He also mentioned,
“Love is among the prospects they are expected to discuss deeper into the draft process.”
Despite their attention to interior offensive linemen and tight ends at the NFL Combine, Walker remains a top priority in New York’s free agency strategy.
League-Wide Interest and Challenges for the Seahawks
Beyond the Giants, other teams in the NFL are reportedly generating considerable buzz around Walker’s availability. ESPN’s Dan Graziano noted,
“Kenneth Walker III, who sounds like he’s generating enough outside interest to spell the end of his time in Seattle,”
indicating that the Seahawks face stiff competition in retaining their star running back.
The scarcity of running backs in the upcoming free-agent class further intensifies this situation, according to ESPN’s report.
“Walker is set to reach free agency as the top, highly explosive RB with emergent receiving ability given how he finished the season in Seattle,”
the coverage added.
Graziano also observed,
“The reigning Super Bowl MVP wasn’t even a perfect scheme fit for Seattle’s zone-heavy approach. With a thin RB class in the 2026 draft, expect free agent running backs to see a boost in their contracts this cycle,”
underscoring the financial and strategic challenges Seattle faces moving forward.
Potential Impact on NFC Rivalry and Future Team Building
Kenneth Walker III’s entry into free agency could reshape NFC competition, particularly if he signs with the Giants or another team determined to contend in the coming seasons. His dynamic playing style and postseason accolades make him a coveted asset capable of influencing playoff outcomes.
For the Seahawks, losing Walker would represent a significant setback, requiring them to rethink their roster construction ahead of 2026. Meanwhile, the bidding war signals a shift in how teams approach free agency when top-tier talent coincides with a limited draft class.
