Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs may have to cross New York Jets star Breece Hall off their list, but they’ll still have an attractive alternative in the open market. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Seattle Seahawks are not expected to tag Kenneth Walker III, allowing the running back to hit free agency—where the NY Giants could also step in.
Walker, who turns 26 in October, is coming off a breakout season that saw him win Super Bowl MVP, having recorded 27 carries for 135 yards in addition to 26 receiving yards during the Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.
With the franchise tag value for running backs set at $14.2 million in 2026, tagging Walker would have been too expensive for the Seahawks. Other teams, however, will probably be happy to offer him a lucrative deal in free agency.
Walker would make sense both for Chiefs and NY Giants
With Hall no longer available, Walker could still provide the upgrade needed in Kansas City’s running back room. The Chiefs list of free agents includes Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Dameon Pierce, so new players are expected to boost the position.
Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks
Pacheco, for instance, is expected to leave Reid and company for another team as his rookie deal expires. The Chiefs, however, might see the Giants stand in their way with New York also seen as a potential suitor for Walker.
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Breece Hall breaks silence as NY Jets place the franchise tag on him before free agency
Even though John Harbaugh will count on a stacked RB room with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo, the latter’s injury recovery might lead the Giants to add at the position. And with a player of Walker’s caliber available in March, it would make sense if they at least explore this possibility.
NY Giants and Chiefs also linked to the same Draft target
If not, the 2026 NFL Draft in April could also provide an opportunity for the Giants and Chiefs to add at RB. Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love is seen as a strong candidate to be drafted early, but the Giants may have a slight advantage over the Chiefs. At No. 5, New York will get to pick before Kansas City, whose turn is at No. 9.
Super Bowl MVPs who packed the bags
While watching the Seahawks allowing Walker to explore his options is hard to believe, he wouldn’t be the first player to join another team immediately after winning Super Bowl MVP.
As Schefter notes, Larry Brown, Desmond Howard, and Dexter Jackson are so far the only three players to win Super Bowl MVP and enter the following NFL season with another franchise. We’ll have to wait and see whether Walker becomes the fourth player to join this list, and whether the NY Giants or the Chiefs win the battle to acquire his services.
