Seahawks Unlikely to Use Tags on Star Running Back Kenneth Walker III, Sources Say

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Seahawks Unlikely to Use Tags on Star Running Back Kenneth Walker III, Sources Say

In a significant development for the Seattle Seahawks' backfield, league sources have informed ESPN that the team is unlikely to utilize either the franchise tag or the transition tag on their standout running back, Kenneth Walker III. This strategic decision, revealed on Tuesday, comes as the Seahawks navigate a complex financial landscape with multiple priorities for the upcoming offseason.

The NFL's tagging window, which commenced on Tuesday, allows teams to designate franchise or transition tags for their impending free agents until March 3. These tags serve as a mechanism to retain key players, either by offering a one-year, high-value contract under the franchise tag or a slightly less expensive option that allows other teams to make an offer, which the original team can then match under the transition tag. However, the substantial projected costs associated with tagging a running back – approximately $14.5 million for a franchise tag and $11.7 million for a transition tag – appear to be prohibitive for the Seahawks this year.

Adding to the financial considerations are the considerable tax obligations the Seahawks incurred as hosts of Super Bowl LX. These Super Bowl-related tax costs are reportedly a significant factor making the use of a franchise tag this offseason an unlikely scenario. This financial prudence suggests a focus on long-term contract solutions rather than short-term, high-cost tagging.

Kenneth Walker III has emerged as a cornerstone of the Seahawks' offense, particularly after his electrifying performance in Super Bowl LX. In the championship game, he rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries and added two receptions for 26 yards in Seattle's decisive 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. His stellar performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, a rare distinction for a running back, with the last being Terrell Davis in Super Bowl XXXII following the 1997 season.

Walker is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, having completed the final year of his rookie contract, which carried a salary cap number of just under $2.7 million. His emergence as a dynamic playmaker has undoubtedly raised his market value, making the prospect of him hitting the open market a point of interest for both the Seahawks and other NFL teams.

Historically, the Seahawks have been judicious with the franchise tag. Under General Manager John Schneider, who has been with the team for 16 seasons, the franchise tag has been used only twice. This track record indicates a preference for negotiating long-term deals or allowing players to test free agency, rather than relying heavily on the tag mechanism.

This season, Walker was a crucial component of the Seahawks' offensive backfield, often sharing duties with rookie Zach Charbonnet. Together, they formed a potent one-two punch. Walker accumulated 1,027 rushing yards on 221 attempts with five touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage was evident, with 33 of his regular-season rushes exceeding 10 yards, ranking him sixth in the league in such explosive plays. When Charbonnet suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the divisional round, Walker stepped into the lead back role seamlessly, amassing 417 scrimmage yards in the postseason and leading all players during that critical stretch.

While the decision not to tag Walker signals a potential shift in strategy, it does not necessarily mean he will depart Seattle. Instead, it strongly suggests the Seahawks are aiming to negotiate a new, long-term contract with their star running back. However, the team also faces the challenge of retaining other key free agents and extending the contract of promising young wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The financial juggling act required to keep their core talent intact while managing the salary cap will be a defining narrative for the Seahawks' offseason.

The Seahawks' approach to Kenneth Walker III's contract situation will be closely watched. Whether they can reach an agreement on a new deal or if he ultimately explores the free-agent market, the outcome will significantly shape Seattle's offensive identity and competitiveness in the seasons to come.

Ekhbary News Agency