Why the Super Bowl MVP’s masterclass might be his Seattle swan song

Just days ago, Kenneth Walker III was sprinting through the confetti at Levi’s Stadium, having just been named the MVP of Super Bowl LX.

Today, the “K9” era in Seattle faces its most daunting hurdle yet: the cold, hard reality of the NFL salary cap.

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Walker’s performance in the Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots was nothing short of legendary. He became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since Terrell Davis in 1998, torching the league’s top-ranked defense for 135 rushing yards and totaling 161 yards from scrimmage.

But as the victory parade prepares to roll through downtown Seattle this Wednesday, the front office is staring at a looming March deadline. Walker, having completed his four-year rookie contract, is officially an unrestricted free agent.

Before everyone looks at Walker’s impending free agency next month, take stock at what he just did on the sport’s biggest stage.

He didn’t just win the MVP; he carried an offense that struggled to find its rhythm through the air. While Jaxon Smith-Njigba was being checked for a concussion, amidst a relatively quiet game for the Offensive Player of the Year, and Sam Darnold held to modest gains, Walker was the engine.

He racked up 94 rushing yards in the first two quarters alone—the second-most in Super Bowl history. Following head coach Mike Macdonald’s philosophy, Walker’s persistent 4-yard gains eventually cracked the Patriots, leading to explosive runs of 30 and 29 yards.

Over three playoff games, Walker totaled 417 yards from scrimmage and 4 touchdowns, nearly eclipsing Marshawn Lynch’s franchise postseason record.

There are many factors to consider when evaluating Walker’s future, but it seems the Seahawks and Walker both want to make it work, and it would benefit both sides if he returned.

Before the Super Bowl, Walker expressed a clear desire to remain in the Pacific Northwest.

“I’ve been here four years, so you know I’ve gotten to know a lot of stuff about Seattle, and you know a lot of the city, and I feel like they feel good about me as well,” Walker said.

“So if it was my choice, though, I’d definitely stay.”

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Running mate Zach Charbonnet is currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the Divisional Round. Without Walker, Seattle’s backfield is dangerously thin and unlike many defending champions, Seattle enters the 2026 offseason with significant cap flexibility.

However, Super Bowl MVPs rarely hit the bricks immediately. Only three players in NFL history have suited up for a different team the season after winning the award, making this a rare opportunity for Walker to cash in—striking while the iron is hot and his value is at an all-time high.

While the heart says Seattle, the wallet might say elsewhere. At 25 years old, Walker is entering his prime and looking for what will likely be the only massive payday of his career.

Teams such as the Washington Commanders and Jacksonville Jaguars are already being named as potential suitors.

Washington, in particular, has the cap room to offer Walker a massive deal that Seattle’s front office, traditionally wary of high-priced veteran backs, might balk at.

The Seahawks have 1,700 reasons (Walker’s total yards this season) to write the check.

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General Manager John Schneider has a history of rewarding core players, and after Sunday’s performance, Walker isn’t just a core player—he’s the face of the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.

If Seattle doesn’t use the franchise tag (projected at $14.4 million), expect a bidding war to erupt the moment the legal tampering window opens.

Will the “K9” era continue in the Emerald City, or did we just witness the most expensive goodbye in NFL history?

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