Kenneth Walker III might be following in the footsteps of past Super Bowl MVPs like Larry Brown, Desmond Howard, and Dexter Jackson. Each of these athletes won the MVP title and then became free agents, taking larger contracts with new teams.
Brown, who earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XXX, joined the Raiders after catching two key passes. Howard dazzled everyone in Super Bowl XXXI with 244 return yards, including a game-clinching 99-yard kickoff return, before also signing with the Raiders. Jackson won the MVP in Super Bowl XXXVII and subsequently moved to the Cardinals after a standout performance with the Buccaneers.
Now, it seems Walker could be on a similar path. Reports from Adam Schefter of ESPN indicate that the Seahawks are not expected to apply the franchise tag on him. This tag would give Walker a one-year deal worth $14.1 million. So far, he has made $8.44 million over his four seasons in the league.
The Seahawks’ message to fans about not tagging Walker appears strategic; they want to manage expectations as they consider multiple free agents and a potential extension for receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. They may also perceive that Walker’s demands for a long-term contract exceed what they are willing to offer, believing he might not find a better deal on the open market.
Walker and his agents will likely gauge interest at the upcoming Scouting Combine, which could also reveal if there is a strong market for him. Historically, teams often undervalue players they have developed, as they have a clearer understanding of the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses over the years.
Further complicating this scenario is the running back market’s dynamics. The Seahawks could choose to draft a new running back, saving money while potentially finding a player who can contribute immediately. Alternatively, they could look for a veteran player who isn’t demanding a high salary.
As teams continue to assess their rosters and finances, Walker’s situation may reflect broader trends in the NFL concerning player valuation and contract negotiations. Keeping an eye on how these decisions unfold could offer insights into team-building strategies and the future of running backs in the league.
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