The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly not expected to use the franchise tag on running back Kenneth Walker III, who was the Super Bowl MVP. This means Walker will become a free agent when the NFL's new league year starts on March 11, unless he signs a new deal with the Seahawks. If he does sign elsewhere, he'll be just the fourth reigning Super Bowl MVP to play for a different team the following season, joining Larry Brown, Desmond Howard, and Dexter Jackson. Teams in need of a running back, such as the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs, are likely to be interested in Walker. Walker, a second-round pick from Michigan State in 2022, has spent his entire four-year NFL career with the Seahawks. Despite a dip in production in 2024, he still rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. The presence of Zach Charbonnet, who rushed for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns, may have contributed to Walker's reduced playing time. However, Charbonnet's season-ending ACL tear opened the door for Walker to shine, rushing for 313 yards and four touchdowns in the playoffs. Walker's performance in the Super Bowl, where he rushed for 135 yards and caught two passes for 26 yards, solidified his importance to the Seahawks' success. With multiple star players requiring big contract extensions, including quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks might be willing to let Walker go. The Kansas City Chiefs stand out as a potential suitor for Walker, as they could benefit from a quality running game to support quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a torn ACL. However, the Chiefs must first get under the salary cap to be in the running for Walker. The New York Giants, led by new head coach John Harbaugh, who favors a run-heavy offense, are also rumored to be interested in Walker. Despite having Cam Skattebo, a promising rookie, the Giants' recent injuries and commitment to the run make Walker an attractive option.
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