Seahawks Unlikely to Franchise Tag Kenneth Walker III, Eyeing Jaxon Smith-Njigba Extension

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to allow running back Kenneth Walker III to enter free agency, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This decision comes as the team prioritizes potential contract extensions for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and other key free agents.

Franchise Tag Cost a Factor

NFL teams have until March 3rd to apply the franchise or transition tag to players. However, the Seahawks are facing significant “Super Bowl tax” costs following their Super Bowl LX victory, making the use of a franchise tag unlikely, sources told ESPN.

The franchise tag for running backs is projected to be $14.5 million, even as the transition tag would cost $11.7 million. Walker, who played the final year of his rookie contract with a cap number of just under $2.7 million, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in March.

Walker’s Performance and Value

Walker was instrumental in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run, rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries and adding 26 receiving yards in their 29-13 win over the Modern England Patriots. He was named Super Bowl MVP, becoming the first running back to receive the honor since Terrell Davis in 1998 Yahoo Sports.

During the regular season, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards on 221 attempts with five touchdowns, sharing the backfield with Zach Charbonnet. He ranked sixth in the league with 33 runs of 10 or more yards. After Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the divisional round, Walker stepped into the lead role and led all players in the postseason with 417 scrimmage yards The Athletic.

Prioritizing Extensions for Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon

The Seahawks have a number of free agents they hope to retain, but extending the contracts of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon are considered higher priorities. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the financial commitments required for these extensions could price Walker out of a return to Seattle Sporting News.

Extending Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon is expected to require contracts exceeding $30 million and $25 million annually, respectively.

Limited Franchise Tag History

The Seahawks have only used the franchise tag twice in the 16 seasons under general manager John Schneider, indicating a preference for long-term contract solutions.