Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner expressed a deeply emotional response on Instagram after Kenneth Walker III left the team during free agency, a reaction that Walker himself shared. Walker is joining the Kansas City Chiefs on a significant three-year contract reportedly worth up to $45 million, with $28.7 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network sources. This move came as the NFL’s legal tampering window opened on Monday, March 9, accelerating roster changes ahead of the new league year.
Kenneth Walker’s Departure Creates a Major Shift for the Seahawks
Kenneth Walker’s exit leaves a big void in the Seahawks’ backfield and signals a key moment for the team as it faces a pivotal offseason. The Chiefs had targeted Walker early in free agency, making a notable commitment to bolster their offense after a lackluster running game last season, as reported by NFL.com and ESPN. For Seattle, which had hoped to retain him in a shared backfield, the price offered by Kansas City was too high to match. Barner’s heartfelt response captures the emotions of Seahawks supporters who are witnessing the loss of a foundational player from a recent championship squad.
Walker’s On-Field Performance and Impact
Kenneth Walker’s impressive stats highlight why he was in such demand. In 2025, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and finished his time with Seattle with 3,555 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 133 passes for 1,005 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. ESPN noted that even while sharing the backfield, Walker was among the most explosive running backs in the NFL. His speed and ability to make big plays forced opposing defensive coordinators to focus on him every game, making his departure a significant loss for the Seahawks.
Seahawks’ Free Agency Moves Amid Walker’s Exit
Walker’s move is part of a broader offseason reshaping for Seattle. The team has emphasized maintaining continuity but is also navigating tough decisions with other key players like Boye Mafe and Coby Bryant. The Seahawks’ official transactions page tracks these changes as the roster evolves following their recent championship run. Walker was not just a high-profile name leaving; he remains in his prime and one of the league’s most explosive offensive talents, characterized by long touchdown runs and elite speed. These factors amplify the weight of Barner’s emotional response as fans watch the team adapt to this new reality.
What Lies Ahead for the Seahawks’ Backfield
The critical question now is how Seattle will respond to losing Walker’s dynamic contributions. The team must decide whether to rely on Rashaad Charbonnet as their lead running back or if they will pursue experienced additions to fill the void. Quickly replacing Walker’s game-changing skill set will be central to maintaining the strength of Seattle’s offense going forward.
“Heavy” ?AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks Tight End
