The Seattle Seahawks’ decision to not franchise tag Kenneth Walker III might just be the most telling move of their offseason—and it could spell the end of his time in the Pacific Northwest. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a strategic move or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
If you’ve ever wondered about the Seahawks’ approach to retaining top talent, 2026 offers a crystal-clear example of General Manager John Schneider’s philosophy. Despite having several high-profile unrestricted free agents—including Kenneth Walker III, Riq Woolen, Rashid Shaheed, Josh Jobe, and Coby Bryant—Seattle opted not to use the franchise or transition tag before the 1 pm PT deadline on Tuesday. This aligns with a broader NFL trend: teams are increasingly moving away from the tag, with only six players tagged across the past two offseasons. For context, from 2010 to 2023, fewer than six tags in a single offseason happened just once. And this is the part most people miss: Is this a short-term shift or the start of a long-term pattern? Only time will tell.
Across the league, only a handful of players received tags this year, including RB Breece Hall (New York Jets), WR George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys), and TE Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons). Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones also landed a transition tag. But it’s Breece Hall’s $14.3 million non-exclusive tag that’s most relevant to the Seahawks. Had Hall not been tagged, the running back market might have looked very different—and Walker’s value could have been harder to predict. Now, Hall’s tag serves as a benchmark for what Walker could command on the open market.
Walker’s stock is undeniably high after a stellar season capped by a Super Bowl MVP performance. With his departure all but certain, the Seahawks’ backfield is poised for a major overhaul. Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh are both recovering from ACL injuries, leaving a gaping hole in the roster. Here’s the bold question: Did the Seahawks underestimate Walker’s value, or are they wisely avoiding overpaying for a position that’s increasingly devalued in today’s NFL? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
For beginners, the franchise tag is a tool teams use to retain a player for one year at a high, guaranteed salary—usually the average of the top five salaries at their position. It’s a risky move, as it can strain team finances and sometimes alienate players. The Seahawks’ decision to avoid it suggests they’re either confident in their younger talent or hesitant to commit big money to a running back. Either way, it’s a move that will shape their future—and one that fans will be debating for years to come.
