Kenneth Walker III Is Gone. Here's How The Seahawks Are Filling The Void At Running Back
It happened fast. Minutes after the negotiating window opened last Monday, Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl LX MVP, signed a three-year, $43.05 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Seahawks let him walk. And honestly? It makes sense, even if it stings.
GM John Schneider didn't mince words at the NFL combine about why Seattle wasn't going to pay top-five running back money for Walker. Yes, the Seahawks have one of the healthiest salary cap situations in the NFL. But Schneider said the team had to operate with the entire roster in mind. No bidding wars. No hamstringing the ability to keep the rest of the championship core together. Walker split snaps with Zach Charbonnet in 2025 anyway, and would've likely remained in a timeshare in 2026. Let him go find his payday elsewhere.
The Dominos Fall, But The Plan Takes Shape
Walker wasn't the only one heading out the door. Safety Coby Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Chicago Bears, applying the same disciplined approach Schneider takes to his salary cap. Cornerback Riq Woolen and outside linebacker Boye Mafe are also expected to depart. The silver lining? OverTheCap projects the Seahawks will receive four compensatory picks in 2027. Not bad for staying disciplined.
But those departures leave some real gaps, especially in the backfield. Walker's ability to hit you for a house-run play is gone. Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the playoffs. The Seahawks needed to find speed to complement what they already have.
New Faces In The Backfield
Enter Emanuel Wilson, the ex-Green Bay Packer the Seahawks added as a power runner. Pair him with Charbonnet (once healthy) and George Holani, and you've got the bones of something. But speed? That's where Seattle had to get creative.
The team did not make a serious run at signing Tyler Allgeier, despite the speculation linking Seattle to the former Atlanta Falcons back before free agency. They watched another potential target, Chris Rodriguez Jr. from the Washington Commanders, sign a two-year, $10 million deal with Jacksonville instead.
So now the Seahawks are hunting for that explosive home-run element they lost when Walker signed with Kansas City. It won't be easy, but if there's one thing Schneider knows how to do, it's build a roster that works within its means. The question is whether this backfield can deliver the same lightning in a bottle.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Seattle Seahawks.
View X conversation →🔮 Trade Seattle Sports on Kalshi
Did you know you can trade on Seattle sports outcomes on Kalshi, the only federally regulated prediction market in the US? Kalshi is available in Washington state. Bet on Seahawks games, Mariners season outcomes, Kraken playoff runs, and more. No sportsbook account needed.
💰 Limited offer: Get a FREE $10 when you sign up!
👉 Sign up at Kalshi.com and use promo code SEATTLEONTAP to claim your free $10.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.