Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III Signs 3-Year Deal with Chiefs: Sources
Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III has signed a three-year free-agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, with a total value of up to $45 million. This deal includes $28.7 million guaranteed, according to league sources.
Kenneth Walker III’s Impressive Playoff Performance
Walker achieved remarkable success during the Seattle Seahawks’ playoff run. In three postseason games, he amassed 417 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. His standout performance came in the Super Bowl, where he rushed for 161 yards, helping the Seahawks secure victory over the New England Patriots.
Regular Season and Career Milestones
In the 2025 NFL season, Walker played in all 17 regular-season games for the first time, overcoming previous injury issues. In a divisional playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, he had a career-high three touchdowns, alongside 19 carries for 116 yards.
- Super Bowl MVP: Walker is the first running back to win the MVP award since Terrell Davis in Super Bowl 32.
- Draft Details: The Seahawks selected Walker in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft from Michigan State University.
- Free Agent Ranking: He was the top-ranked running back and the seventh-best free agent according to The Athletic.
Impact on Chiefs’ Roster
Walker fills a major need for the Chiefs, bringing big-play capability to their running game. Last season, he had ten runs of over 20 yards, while the entire Chiefs running back group managed only one.
Chiefs’ Running Back Room
As the new lead back, Walker joins a backfield that includes Brashard Smith, a running back-receiver hybrid, and pending free agents Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. The Chiefs are considering further additions to the position with one of their nine draft picks this year.
Salary Cap Adjustments
The Chiefs recently made moves to create salary cap space by releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor and trading cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. While their finances are tight, these decisions position the Chiefs to compete for top talent in free agency.
Future Draft Strategy
General manager Brett Veach aims to fulfill essential roster needs before the draft. With Walker’s addition, the Chiefs can approach the draft without being pressured to select a running back early. This strategy may align with a shift towards a more physical running style as they strengthen their offensive line for the 2026 season.
Walker’s arrival represents a significant enhancement to the Chiefs’ offense, which aims for improvement after a disappointing 6-11 season. With a dynamic running back like Walker, the Chiefs look set for a stronger push in the upcoming season.
