Seahawks' Kenneth Walker: Not expected to be franchise tagged

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The Seahawks are not expected to extend the franchise tag to Walker, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Seattle will have a number of tough roster decisions following the team's Super Bowl LX victory, with a contract extension for Jaxon Smith-Njigba likely being the top priority. Walker played a full 17 regular-season games for the first time in his career in 2025, rushing 221 times for 1,027 yards and five scores while securing 31 of 36 targets for 282 receiving yards. He was even more dominant during the postseason, culminating in Super Bowl MVP honors after he rushed for 135 yards versus the Patriots, adding two catches for 26 yards. The franchise tag would lock him into a 2026 salary of $14.5 million, however, which could be more than Seattle can afford. While the Seahawks could still attempt to sign Walker to an extension, it may be difficult for the team to compete with the offers the 25-year-old running back projects to receive on the open market. Seattle still also has Zach Charbonnet (knee) under contract, though after having suffered an ACL tear in the divisional round his availability for Week 1 is uncertain at best.