Seahawks Could Lose Star Running Back Kenneth Walker as AFC Teams Circle in Free Agency
The future of Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker is becoming an increasingly popular topic of discussion as the 2026 NFL free agency period approaches. Several analysts believe the explosive rusher could be one of the most sought-after players on the market, and some projections suggest he may ultimately depart Seattle for a new opportunity in the AFC.
Among the potential suitors being mentioned, the Denver Broncos have emerged as a team frequently linked with Walker. According to Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport, Denver could make a significant push to secure the running back’s services this offseason.
Davenport projected the Broncos could sign Walker to a three-year contract worth approximately $30.3 million, a move that would immediately strengthen Denver’s offensive backfield heading into the 2026 campaign.
Broncos Seeking Stability in the Run Game
Denver’s interest in adding another running back reportedly stems from issues the team faced last season when injuries disrupted their rushing attack. The Broncos came close to reaching Super Bowl LX, but one of the key factors in their eventual disappointment was inconsistency in the ground game.
Veteran running back J.K. Dobbins played an important role early in the season before suffering an injury that significantly slowed the Broncos’ rushing production. With Dobbins expected to enter free agency, Denver may need to find a capable replacement to keep its offense balanced.
Second-year running back R.J. Harvey saw increased opportunities following Dobbins’ injury but struggled to consistently produce. Harvey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry during the 2025 season, raising concerns about whether he can handle a full workload as the team’s primary ball carrier.
Because head coach Sean Payton has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on establishing a physical running game, many observers believe Denver will look to bring in an experienced free-agent running back this offseason.
Walker, with his proven ability to generate explosive plays and handle significant offensive responsibility, could be an ideal target.
Walker Could Form Strong Tandem in Denver
While Harvey would likely remain part of Denver’s backfield rotation, Walker could step in as the featured runner if the Broncos succeed in signing him.
Davenport acknowledged there would be some risk involved in giving Walker a contract worth roughly $10 million per season, particularly since he has not yet carried the ball more than 230 times in a single season. However, Denver reportedly has the salary-cap flexibility to pursue such a deal.
In addition, a committee approach featuring both Walker and Harvey could allow the Broncos to maximize Walker’s explosiveness while keeping him fresh throughout the season.
Walker is already familiar with sharing responsibilities in the backfield. During the 2025 season, the Seahawks frequently rotated Walker with fellow running back Zach Charbonnet, creating a balanced rushing attack that relied on multiple contributors.
That experience could help Walker transition smoothly if he were to join a similar setup in Denver.
Broncos and Chiefs Both Linked to Walker
While Davenport ultimately projected Walker to land in Denver, the Broncos are not the only AFC contender reportedly interested in the dynamic running back.
The Kansas City Chiefs have also been mentioned by analysts as a potential destination, adding another layer of intrigue to Walker’s free-agency outlook.
The Broncos finished second in the NFL in total rushing yards last season, making Dobbins’ possible departure a notable loss for the team’s offense. However, acquiring a player like Walker could help them maintain — or even improve — their productivity on the ground.
Walker’s Strong 2025 Season Boosts His Market Value
Walker’s impressive performances during the 2025 season have only strengthened his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous runners.
He surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second time in his career and matched a career-best average of 4.6 yards per carry. He also added five rushing touchdowns while remaining a key contributor to Seattle’s offense.
His postseason performances were equally impressive. During the playoffs, Walker averaged 4.8 yards per carry while compiling 313 rushing yards. He also totaled 417 yards from scrimmage and scored four touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Those performances have helped elevate Walker’s value ahead of free agency, with many analysts expecting significant interest from teams across the league.
Analysts Expect Competitive Free Agency Market
According to ESPN analyst Ben Solak, Walker could generate considerable competition among teams once the legal tampering period begins Monday morning.
Some insiders even believe a bidding war could develop as multiple franchises attempt to secure the talented running back.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper ranked Walker as the No. 8 overall free agent available this offseason. Popper also predicted Walker could receive a larger contract than Davenport projected — estimating a four-year deal worth around $52 million.
Such figures highlight just how valuable Walker could become on the open market.
Seahawks Still Have Chance to Re-Sign Walker
Despite the growing speculation surrounding Walker’s potential departure, the Seattle Seahawks are not entirely out of the picture.
As of March 9, the team reportedly holds approximately $60.7 million in available salary-cap space, according to financial tracking site Spotrac. That gives Seattle enough flexibility to negotiate a new contract if the organization decides Walker remains a key part of its long-term plans.
Ultimately, the Seahawks’ decision may depend on how they choose to allocate resources during the offseason and whether they believe Walker should remain a centerpiece of their offensive strategy moving forward.
For now, however, the possibility of Walker joining an AFC contender — particularly the Denver Broncos or Kansas City Chiefs — continues to generate significant discussion among analysts as the 2026 free agency period approaches.