The Houston Texans must upgrade the running back position this offseason. Could a Super Bowl MVP be a legit option entering free agency?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Seattle Seahawks do not plan to use their franchise tag on running back Kenneth Walker III. With multiple other options looking to get paid from the Super Bowl-winning squad, the Seahawks would like to extend other options first, along with getting a deal done with All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.Walker, a former second-round pick and Doak Walker Award winner from Michigan State, set the tone in the playoffs for the Seahawks' run toward a Lombardi Trophy. He rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries and caught two passes for 26 yards in the 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots, becoming the first running back to be named MVP since Terrell Davis in 1997.
It’s unlikely the Seahawks will use their franchise tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, per league sources. The Seahawks have multiple free agents they want to retain and sign. They also will try to extend WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There are enough Super-Bowl tax… https://t.co/9xbtIgLNn7pic.twitter.com/XdfkNk16kf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2026
Based on the current cap hit, franchise tagging running backs this offseason costs teams $14.5 million. If the Seahawks were to take him on the transition tag, that would come for $11.7 million.
The Texans, who are expected to free up over $30 million in cap space this offseason with extensions and restructures, must address the status of the running game. Limited at times with first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley, the offense relied heavily on rookie Woody Marks and a combination of veterans like former Cleveland Browns All-Pro Nick Chubb.
Houston finished 22nd in rushing (108.9 yards per game) and averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry. The status of Joe Mixon remains a mystery, but cutting him loose would save over $8 million for the Texans entering 2026.
Walker split carries with Zach Charbonnet during the regular season and still rushed for 1,027 yards on 221 attempts with five touchdowns. He also finished top 10 in runs of over 10-plus yards with 33 plays, including 14 for 20 yards or more.
After Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the playoffs, Walker became the lead back and totaled 417 scrimmage yards to lead all players in the postseason, thus upping his value in free agency. In Houston, he could be the feature back to pair alongside Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud in a must-win campaign for the current iteration of the franchise.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III to not be franchise tagged