The Washington Commanders are actively searching for a running back in free agency to fill the vacancy left by Austin Ekeler. After a challenging season that triggered multiple coaching staff changes, the Commanders aim to rebuild their roster to regain competitiveness in the league. This offseason move is crucial as the team looks to bolster its offense.
Kenneth Walker III Emerges as Leading Candidate to Join Commanders
Among the top free agents, Kenneth Walker III appears to be a potential fit for Washington’s backfield. Alongside existing running backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez, Walker could become the Commanders’ primary ball carrier. Pro Football Source Network (PFSN) predicts that Walker may sign with Washington during free agency as part of their plans to restructure the offense.
Jacob Infante highlighted Walker’s 2025 performance:
“Kenneth Walker III played in all 17 games in 2025. The results were kind to the Seahawks’ starting running back, as he reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second time in his career. He also averaged a personal-best 4.6 yards per carry. He’s certainly not elite, but he ranked this season in the top 15 at his position in yards per carry, catch percentage, and elusive rate.”
Jacob Infante, NFL Analyst
Coming off a Super Bowl 60 MVP-winning campaign, where Walker carried the ball 27 times for 135 yards, he is entering free agency at a critical juncture. The Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to retain him due to salary cap considerations and competition from younger backs like Zach Charbonnet, despite the team’s intent to extend other free agents. Walker’s blend of rushing and receiving skills makes him an attractive option for teams seeking to rebuild their ground game.
Market Outlook and Contract Projections for Walker
Walker’s decision to stay with Seattle or sign elsewhere hinges on contract offers amid a strong free agent market for running backs. In 2025, Walker had 221 rush attempts, totaling 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, complemented by 31 receptions for 282 yards. Despite Seattle’s competitive prospects, the Commanders could offer Walker an appealing role alongside franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, who also contributes as a runner.
Based on PFSN’s rankings, Walker finished 20th in their RB Impact Metric and is expected to sign a deal averaging $8.3 million annually over three years. This move would provide Washington with a dynamic ground threat to support Daniels’s dual-threat capabilities. However, the running back position remains volatile in the NFL, intensifying Walker’s bargaining power following his Super Bowl success.
New Offensive Leadership to Guide the Commanders’ Running Game
Linked to the roster reshuffling is the departure of Kliff Kingsbury from the offensive coordinator role, with David Blough stepping in. Blough is anticipated to implement an offensive strategy heavily influenced by Ben Johnson’s philosophy, his former coordinator in Detroit, that prioritizes the running game. Acquiring a proven rusher like Walker aligns with Blough’s vision to strengthen the ground attack and enhance offensive balance.
Implications for the Commanders’ Future
Securing Kenneth Walker III would mark a significant upgrade for Washington’s running back corps, providing a reliable and productive option following Austin Ekeler’s exit. Paired with Jayden Daniels’s mobility, this could create a more versatile and potent offense. With new coaching leadership focusing on running game fundamentals, the Commanders are positioning themselves to reestablish competitive footing in the upcoming season. Their choices in free agency, especially at the running back position, will be critical in determining their trajectory.
