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For just the fourth time in the last three decades, the reigning Super Bowl MVP will likely be available on the open market.
The Seattle Seahawks declined to exercise the franchise tag on running back Kenneth Walker III before Thursday’s deadline, according to multiple reports.
NFL teams had until Tuesday afternoon to apply the franchise tag to eligible players whose contracts expire once the new league year begins next week. The Seahawks and Walker could still reach a long-term deal before the free agency period officially opens. Otherwise, Walker would explore the open market.
Larry Brown, Dexter Jackson and Desmond Howard are the only other players to hit free agency in the weeks immediately after being named Super Bowl MVP.
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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs against New England Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Seahawks general manager John Schneider reacted to a report that another member of Seattle’s championship offense intends to hit the open market.
Acquired from the Saints in November, Rashid Shaheed had 188 receiving yards in nine regular-season games with Seattle.
Schneider took issue with the timing of the news.
“I saw the report yesterday and thought, ‘He and his representatives, I think, have been testing free agency for over a week.’ I’m not sure why that made the news yesterday,” according to The Athletic.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC divisional playoff game at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
In November, Shaheed expressed optimism about his future with the Seahawks.
“I’m here to stay,” he said shortly after being traded to Seattle. “So, I’m excited to see if we can find something after the season ends. But yeah, I’m excited.”
While the Seahawks’ defense held off the Patriots in last month’s Super Bowl, Walker boosted Seattle’s offense at Levi’s Stadium. He rushed for 135 yards and added 26 yards receiving, becoming the first running back in 28 years to win the coveted Super Bowl MVP trophy.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, left, and running back Kenneth Walker III celebrate after defeating the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Boye Mafe, Josh Jobe, Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen are among the notable Seahawks players entering free agency next week.
If Walker becomes available on March 11, he is expected to draw interest from several NFL teams.
If Walker signs with another team, the Seahawks could turn to free agency for a replacement. Running back Zach Charbonnet, who enters his fourth NFL season in 2026, remains under contract next year.
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