The NFL franchise tag deadline was Tuesday, March 3, previewing which players will be available in free agency. Several notable players were not tagged, which means they will hit the open market in free agency next week — including Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III.
Following Walker’s standout 2026 NFL Playoffs — averaging over 100 yards rushing and over 1 TD per game, culminating in the Super Bowl MVP, he will be the top running back available in free agency.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP could be a hot commodity, but what franchises stand out as the favorite suitors for Walker?
Below, we’ll circle three Kenneth Walker III landing spots for PrizePicks Team Picks NFL futures.
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Kenneth Walker III Landing Spots for Seahawks RB
Walker is arguably the best running back available in free agency. Jets RB Breece Hall was franchise tagged by the New York Jets, and Jaguars RB Travis Etienne will hit the unrestricted market next week.
This year’s franchise tag for a halfback was roughly $14 million. Spotrac values Walker at $9.0 million annually. With that said, it’s not a surprise the Seattle Seahawks did not tag Walker.
After recording 136 rushing yards in Super Bowl LX, Walker should receive plenty of attention as the top RB available, but what franchises actually make sense as landing spots?
New York Giants – Kenneth Walker III Next Team Rumors
The New York Giants look to be in a hurry to acquire an RB1. Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported the franchise is interested in Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 5 overall pick and RBs Travis Etienne and Walker in free agency. Dan Duggan of The Athletic also referenced the Giants’ interest in Walker.
New York featured a 47.1% rush-play rate last season (seventh), but its efficiency was lacking with 4.3 yards per carry (17th). Coach John Harbaugh led a potent Baltimore Ravens run game that had the highest rush-play rate in the 2025 campaign (52.0%).
The Giants drafted RB Cam Skattebo in the fourth round in the 2025 NFL Draft; the rookie RB was on his way to a strong first year before a devastating season-ending ankle injury in Week 8. However, Skattebo is expected to be ready to return for 2026, which could dissuade the team from targeting Walker.
However, the team has questions around Skattebo's longevity, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. is not considered the long-term answer at RB1.
With Harbaugh at the helm, the Giants are poised to lean on the ground game, and that means adding more tailbacks.
Washington Commanders – Kenneth Walker III Next Team Rumors
According to Spotrac, the Washington Commanders enter free agency with an $83.3 million cap space — the fourth most in the NFL. Following a 5-12 season, Washington should be aggressive in free agency while they still have QB Jayden Daniels on a rookie contract.
Matthew Berry of NBC Sports reported the Commanders “want a thumper” for their backfield. This depth chart lacks early-down, workhorse backs. The Seahawks mostly utilized Walker in an early-down role last season.
Washington posted a 48.9% rush-play rate (fourth) and 4.7 yards per carry (fourth) in 2025, but the workload was mostly split by committee between Chris Rodrigues Jr. and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. If the Commanders are in search of a clear RB1, Walker could be the answer.
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Denver Broncos – Kenneth Walker III Next Team Rumors
The Denver Broncos sported a solid rushing attack when Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins was healthy last year, but they logged only 3.8 yards per carry over the final nine games of the season without Dobbins in the lineup.
Dobbins is an unrestricted free agent and comes off a season-ending foot injury. Proven by 3.7 yards per rushing attempt and 2.66 yards after contact per attempt (45th, per PFF), 2025 rookie RB RJ Harvey likely lacked the production in his rookie season to earn the RB1 role.
With that said, Denver is expected to be a buyer on the RB market. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that the Jets placed a franchise tag on Hall due to the Broncos’ potential pursuit of the talented tailback. Naturally, this shifts our attention to the next-best option — Walker.
Spotrac ranks Denver 16th for available salary cap ($20.9 million), suggesting the Broncos have enough to pull off a deal with Walker, depending on their priorities.
Make NFL Free Agency Predictions on PrizePicks
Reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III should find his next home over the next week. An excellent playoff run has certainly boosted his free agency stock, drawing attention from potential contenders like the Broncos.
You can make your NFL free agency and trade predictions on PrizePicks Team Picks, featuring payouts for players' next teams and if they will be traded. Just go to the PrizePicks app, open Team Picks, predict a player’s future and destination, and earn cash if you’re right.
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