Kenneth Walker III Nears Final Seahawks Game With Free‑Agency Deadline Looming
Updated (2 articles)
Charbonnet Injury Elevates Walker to Primary Rusher Zach Charbonnet suffered a season‑ending knee injury against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional round after posting 12 rushing touchdowns, the first Seahawk since Marshawn Lynch in 2014 to reach double‑digit scores [1]. Walker checked on Charbonnet, was told he’d be okay, and immediately assumed a larger workload as Seattle pursued a second Super Bowl title [1].
Playoff Production Shows Walker’s Efficiency and Versatility In the postseason, Walker averaged 4.7 yards per carry, caught all seven targets for 78 receiving yards, and scored four rushing touchdowns, demonstrating both rushing and receiving value [1]. He finished the regular season with 1,027 rushing yards, his first 1,000‑yard campaign since his rookie year, confirming his consistency throughout the year [1].
Coaching Staff Confident Walker Can Shoulder Heavier Load Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said film from the 31‑27 NFC championship win proved Walker “played some really good football,” and the team has “all the confidence in the world” he can handle a heavier load, backed by the offense’s support [1]. Walker credited two 100‑yard games in the final three regular‑season contests to precise offensive‑line blocking and cohesive unit effort [1].
Free‑Agency Timeline and Walker’s Super Bowl‑First Goal Entering the last year of his rookie contract, the 25‑year‑old will become a free agent in 2026; GM John Schneider called him “awesome” and “explosive,” noting the Seahawks would love to retain him and expect a significant pay bump if he tests the market [1]. Walker stated his only focus is winning the Super Bowl, refusing to let free‑agency concerns distract from his performance [1].
Timeline
2025 season – Charbonnet leads Seattle with 12 rushing touchdowns and 730 yards, becoming the first Seahawk since Marshawn Lynch’s 2014 season to reach 10+ TDs, while Walker rushes for 1,027 yards, his first 1,000‑yard season since his rookie year [2].
Jan 19, 2026 – Charbonnet suffers a significant knee injury during Seattle’s 41‑6 divisional‑round win over the San Francisco 49ers, is ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs and will require surgery [2].
Jan 19, 2026 – Coach Mike Macdonald praises Charbonnet’s character and work ethic, calling him “the epitome of what it means to be a Seahawk” and expressing confidence he will return stronger [2].
Jan 19, 2026 – Seattle prepares to face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship, relies on Walker as the only healthy running back, and explores adding veteran backs Velus Jones Jr., Cam Akers, or George Holani to the roster [2].
Late Jan 2026 – After Seattle’s 31‑27 victory over the Rams in the NFC Championship, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak says film shows Walker “played some really good football” and that the team has “all the confidence in the world” he can handle a heavier load [1].
Jan 31, 2026 – Walker posts a 4.7‑yard‑per‑carry average in the postseason, catches all seven targets for 78 receiving yards, scores four rushing touchdowns, and records two 100‑yard games in the final three regular‑season contests, crediting precise offensive‑line blocking [1].
Jan 31, 2026 – Walker approaches free agency after his final rookie‑contract year, with GM John Schneider calling him “awesome” and “explosive” and indicating the Seahawks would love to retain him and expect a significant pay bump if he tests the market [1].
Jan 31, 2026 – Walker states his only goal is to win the Super Bowl, saying “I just really want to win the Super Bowl” and that free‑agency worries would distract from his performance [1].