This offseason, the Seahawks decided not to offer Walker III a new contract, prompting him to sign a three-year, $43 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs and join Patrick Mahomes’ offense.

Zach Charbonnet now appears as the RB1 in the depth chart. Nevertheless, it seems like the Seahawks want to add more depth, with Najee Harris visiting the team on Wednesday.

Najee Harris may have a larger role in Seattle than in Las Vegas

Najee Harris entered the NFL as the 24th overall pick in 2021. He had an immediate impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers, securing over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons.

Following his time in Pittsburgh, Harris signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short in Week 3 by a torn Achilles. Now a free agent, his best opportunity to return to a high-volume role may be with the Seahawks.

Seattle features a solid offensive line that helped Walker III thrive in 2025. If Harris joins the Seahawks, he would likely lead a committee alongside Zach Charbonnet (who is recovering from a February ACL surgery).

In contrast, joining the Raiders, who Harris will visit next week, would likely see him in a clear “wingman” role behind 2025 first-round standout Ashton Jeanty, who led the league in broken tackles as a rookie.

Speaking about the team’s running back situation after Kenneth Walker III left for the Chiefs, Schneider pretty much said running backs are expendable. “That’s a position that you can find guys,” he said to Seattle Sports.

Pretty much, he said that Walker leaving is not as big of a deal. This is the Super Bowl MVP he’s talking about, so it’s a big statement. This is even more drastic given that the Seahawks don’t have exactly a top replacement on the roster.

Charbonnet might not be ready to start the season

Charbonnet was part of the Seahawks’ committee until he blew his ACL. That allowed Kenneth Walker to blossom and get his Chiefs contract. However, Charbonnet might not recover for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Schneider also trusts an internal solution might be found for Walker.

The Seahawks did bring former Packer, Emmanuel Wilson, to the roster. Having said that, Wilson was a backup in Green Bay. Per Schneider, “we’re really excited about Emmanuel Wilson.” They also have Cam Akers on the roster. None of them are on Walker’s level.

The Seahawks running game is on alert watch

Schneider might not feel like it, but the Seahawks offense might resent Walker leaving. In fact, the whole offense might be suffering big time. Offensive coordinator Kubiak is gone. Your best running back is gone. The team hasn’t done much to spend on first-tier talent. The offense might regress heavily.

“There were a lot of teams, (and) I had eight opportunities to go to different teams. Kansas City was one of them,” Pacheco said during his introductory press conference in Detroit.

“Once they made that move (signing Kenneth Walker III), I knew that I had to open up the door to go somewhere else. This (Lions) was the first place I thought of.”

Pacheco’s experience with Chiefs before Lions move

The Chiefs handed a big contract to Walker, who hit free agency after winning Super Bowl MVP with the Seattle Seahawks. After that, Pacheco signed a one-year, $1.81 million fully guaranteed deal to join the Lions.

Pacheco is coming off a lackluster season with the Chiefs, recording just 462 yards while averaging 35 rushing yards per game and 3.9 per carry in 2025. However, his past performances make him an interesting fit for Detroit.

In 2023, Pacheco racked up 935 rushing yards for seven touchdowns, improving his numbers from a promising rookie year in 2022 (830 rushing yards for five touchdowns).

Pacheco boosts Lions RB room

A key contributor to two Super Bowl wins in Kansas City, Pacheco is bringing championship experience to a Lions team that needed depth in the RB room after trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.

He’ll be the second running back on the depth chart behind Jahmyr Gibbs, a player Pacheco is looking forward to playing with.

“Jahmyr is a hell of a player,” Pacheco said. “Hats off to him and the guys who have been putting in work here for a couple years now.

“Me looking from the outside in, it’s a hell of a group, and whatever I can do to contribute to the team is going to happen. Whether that’s punting the ball, whatever it’s at, no matter where I’m at on the field, cheering the guys on, bringing excitement to the team, bringing leadership, accountability.”

Pacheco felt it was time to leave Kansas City

Pacheco could’ve stayed in Kansas City, but with Walker arriving to take the RB1 role, he may have faced bigger competition with Brashard Smith entering his second year in the league. Besides, the Chiefs can still bring back Kareem Hunt.

Perhaps a change of scenery is what he needed at this point in his young career. Detroit wants to get over the hump, and Pacheco could play a role in helping Dan Campbell lead the Lions to a long-awaited Super Bowl.

Walker opened up during his introductory press conference about Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy‘s coaching approach. “He intense, yeah, yeah, yeah. The more he talk about it the more intense he gets,” said Walker. “It’s been cool, but you want a person like that who’s real passionate about the game, so I’m excited to get to work with him.”

Kansas City signed Walker to a maximum of $45,000,000 over three years, with $28,700,000 of his contract fully guaranteed at signing. It is a major acquisition that carries significant expectations.

Walker’s feelings about the team

Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker spoke to reporters on Thursday at his introductory press conference, revealing his feelings about the team pursuing him early during free agency. He acknowledged that Kansas City’s consistent success played a major role in his decision to join the organization.

“Winning coaching. Watching over the years, been to plenty of Super Bowls, and you know, they know how to win. So, I felt like it’s a great fit for me,” said Walker, who appreciated being targeted early by Kansas City. “It means a lot, you feel appreciated and wanted, that’s what everybody wants. So, I’m just happy to get in here and be able to get to know the guys and work.”

The Chiefs are aiming to remain contenders next NFL season, and their activity during this period reflects that ambition. The return of Travis Kelce adds another important piece, and the offense will once again rely heavily on the presence of Patrick Mahomes as its centerpiece.

Walker’s numbers

During the 2025 season, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game with 31 receptions for 282 yards for the Seattle Seahawks, who finished atop the NFC during the regular season.

“[Seattle GM] John Schneider confirms that the Seahawks will sign RB Emanuel Wilson. Also praises the play of George Holani, so sounds like they see a potentially bigger role for him in 2026,” according to reporter John Boyle, @johnpboyle on X.

Holani, an undrafted free agent out of Boise State, has been with the Seahawks since the 2024 NFL season. Still, the 26-year-old half-back has rarely seen the field. It’s only logical considering Walker III and Zach Charbonnet had been above him on the depth chart since he arrived to Emerald City.

Now, Walker is in Kansas City and Charbonnet is trending toward missing a large portion of the 2026 NFL season—if not the entire season. Charbonnet tore his ACL in the NFC Divisional Round, and it was his absence that freed up the field for Walker to run the show in Seattle and be named MVP of Super Bowl LX.

Seahawks’ updated depth chart

With Walker out of the picture and Charbonnet facing question marks, the Seahawks are set to put together a very different-looking backfield in 2026. As it stands, Mike Macdonald has the following options (healthy) at the tailback position: Emmanuel Wilson, George Holani, and Kenny McIntosh.

Barring a star HB addition or draft selection, Seattle will be replacing Walker with this trio. The numbers paint just how steep of a climb the Hawks are in for. Walker finished last season with 1,027 rushing yards.

\It would take Emmanuel Wilson, George Holani, and Kenny McIntosh’s combined career stats to surpass that mark (1,338). Seattle is placing all its hope in the hands of this three-headed—yet wet-behind-the-ears—backfield monster.

What Wilson, Holani, McIntosh bring to the table

Wilson showed flashes in his time with the Green Bay Packers but could never grow out of Josh Jacobs’ shadow. McIntosh missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL but had barely earned a role in Seattle’s offense before that. Holani may be due for a breakout year, but it’s all hanging on ifs and maybes.

Seattle allowed a sure thing to walk, and to no one’s surprise, Walker did just that. Now, the Seahawks must brace for a 2026 season in which every team in the NFL is coming for their crown, and they may not be healthy enough to withstand the battle.

Walker just spoke and said something that might be music to Mahomes’ ears. Matt McCullen, senior reporter for the Chiefs, spoke to Walker and the running back said, “It’s a winning culture. They know how to win, so I feel like it’s a great fit for me.” Pure, golden words from a guy who just won Super Bowl MVP, but now wants to be a part of a dynasty.

Mahomes just missed the playoffs for the first time in his NFL career. He had always gotten to at least the AFC Championship Game. Hence, it was a very weird feeling for the Chiefs. Now with Walker on the roster, the expectations grow exponentially once again.

Walker is a massive upgrade for the Chiefs

Walker is such a big upgrade for their running game that it’s impossible to not get excited if you’re part of Chiefs Kingdom. Walker had 221 rushing attempts for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. Not to mention, he had 282 receiving yards and a top-tier postseason that culminated with a ring-winning, Super Bowl LX MVP performance.

The Chiefs had Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt last year. They combined for 281 attempts and 1,073 yards. Therefore, one can see that Walker alone produced almost as much as the other two combined, and with 60 less rushing attempts. The yards per attempt also speak volumes. Hunt and Pacheco weren’t efficient runners as neither got to 4.0 yards per attempt, while Walker had 4.6, the levels are very different here.

Mahomes hasn’t had a 1,000-yard RB in his career

Mahomes‘ most productive RB so far in his career has been Kareem Hunt in 2018, where he racked up 824 yards. Then, Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 803 yards in 2020. No one has actually come close to get to the 1,000-rushing-yard treshold since Mahomes arrived.

This is the chance to see if Mahomes can produce results without the need of being Superman. Walker III will give him a relieve. Also, having a good back can help you close games, drain the clock, and not risk the football.

Mahomes wasted no time welcoming his new backfield mate, reposting Walker’s announcement on X with a succinct, “Let’s go.” The move signals an aggressive push by the Chiefs front office to revitalize their RB depth chart after a snake-bitten 2025 campaign saw Kansas City miss the postseason for the first time since 2014.

Walker III arrives in Kansas City with his stock at an all-time high following his championship run with the Seattle Seahawks. The 25-year-old was the engine of Seattle’s postseason success, cementing his legacy with four touchdowns and a dominant 135-yard performance in Super Bowl LX to secure MVP honors.

Expectations in Kansas City have reached a fever pitch following the high-profile acquisition of Walker III. His arrival immediately shifts the Chiefs’ 2026 aspirations from a simple rebound to a full-scale championship pursuit. With Mahomes set to return from injury, the front office is signaling that a one-year postseason drought was an anomaly they have no intention of repeating.

Chiefs Rumors: Will KC pull the trigger on Diggs?

While several key contributors are expected to depart in free agency, anticipation is building in Kansas City regarding a potential pursuit of Stefon Diggs. Following his release from the New England Patriots last Wednesday, the four-time Pro Bowler has quickly ascended to the top of the Chiefs‘ wish list as they look to provide Mahomes with a proven vertical threat.

Beyond the Diggs sweepstakes, the Chiefs are reportedly scouring the market for defensive reinforcements. General manager Brett Veach has a window of opportunity to recalibrate the roster, and the coming weeks will be critical as the organization weighs high-priced veterans against a youth-driven rebuild.

With Mahomes nearing full health after his season-ending injury, Travis Kelce officially delaying retirement for a 14th season, and the high-profile addition of Walker III, the stakes have never been higher in Kansas City. The front office is under immense pressure to execute a quick turnaround and restore the Chiefs to their customary spot as Super Bowl favorites.

Insider Jordan Schultz, via his X account, shared more details about the deal between the running back and Chiefs Kingdom. He will sign a three-year contract worth $43.05 million, with the potential to reach up to $45 million.

Additionally, the journalist noted that Kenneth Walker will have $28.7 million guaranteed. Undoubtedly, both the player and the franchise came out ahead: the Chiefs gain a reliable partner for Patrick Mahomes, while Walker secures the compensation he sought.

This deal sets an interesting precedent in the league: Walker becomes the highest-paid free-agent running back in NFL history. Now, he will need to justify the trust the franchise placed in him on the field.

Walker’s stats with the championship-winning Seahawks

Kenneth Walker III capped his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks by delivering a historic 2025 campaign that culminated in a Super Bowl LX MVP performance. During the regular season, he started all 17 games, rushing for 1,027 yards on 221 carries (4.6 yards per attempt) and scoring 5 rushing touchdowns, while adding 31 receptions for 282 yards.

However, his value truly skyrocketed in the postseason, where he exploded for 313 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns across three games, including a dominant 135-yard display in the Super Bowl victory. That explains why Mahomes was happy to welcome Walker with a two-word message on social media.

Reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Walker will go the Chiefs on a deal negotiated by Aura Sports Group. This brings a close to one of the storylines of the offseason: the Chiefs looking to get a top running game. However, now that they landed Walker, the need is over.

As for the depth chart, Walker will now be the workhorse of the team, as Isiah Pacheco, Dameon Pierce, and Kareem Hunt are headed to free agency. Hence, below Walker, second-year Brashard Smith will be there if needed. Keaontay Ingram is currently a restricted free agent with the Chiefs.

This also discards Jeremiyah Love

The Chiefs were supposed to be very interested in Jeremiyah Love, the best running back in the draft. The Chiefs have the ninth draft pick this year, and they didn’t think Love would be available, hence, they pulled the trigger on Walker, who’s getting a lucrative contract in Kansas City.

Love is more of an explosive running back, while Walker is a bit more elusive and agile. Still, both would’ve solved the issues at hand with the Chiefs running game. However, Walker was the more expensive option, it’s just that the Chiefs didn’t want to risk not signing him early, and then get Love drafted before they had the chance. Now, they are not empty handed.

Chiefs now must focus on their WR room

The other storyline around the Chiefs is that they have no top-tier wide receiver. Whether they now use the ninth pick to get the wideout or do it on free agency remains to be seen. However, Patrick Mahomes needs an elite weapon.

And that is because, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, “I’m hearing Walker will consider the Giants and Commanders among his options, with the Titans as a possibility, too.” Fowler also mentions Denver and Kansas City as possible suitors, but that their interest depend solely on the price ranges. As for now, Giants and Commanders are the frontrunners.

Fowler also mentions Rico Dowdle as an option for the Commanders. The power back had strong outings for Carolina last season, where he started as the backup, and then ended up being the RB1 for the Panthers. He had multiple 200+ yards in multiple games.

The other big name in the RB market is Travis Etienne

Fowler stated Travis Etienne as a name to watch. “Etienne has AFC West love via Denver and Kansas City.” Etienne is fresh off a career-resurgence year, where he had 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. Hence, at just 26 years old, he is also a name to monitor.

Etienne is an intriguing name given the fact that he is also a good pass-catcher that can help on play-action or screen passes too. While not the fastest back, he is strong and elusive. He is coming off a career-high 545 yards after contact.

The Giants also made other moves regarding RBs

The Giants recently confirmed news that might make the Chiefs smile, bringing back Devin Singletary, as well as the return of Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy. New York had a good rushing offense last year, but it wants a heavy hitter on the backfield.

Whether that’s the right approach or not remains to be seen, but the fact is new head coach John Harbaugh wants to run the football until kingdom come. Hence, that’s where the Giants’ head’s at. It will be an old-school approach to the offense.

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.

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.

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.