Running back Kenneth Walker III left the Seattle Seahawks a little more than a month after earning the NFL Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player award, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs on a contract that guarantees $27 million over the first two years.
Walker confirmed on Monday’s “#PFTPM” podcast that he had anticipated moving on during the 2025 season. “If I’m being honest, sometime during the season I realized things weren’t working out the way I expected, and that’s fine. It worked out for the team. Then we got to free agency, and I knew I wouldn’t be there any longer,” he said. The decision was driven by contract negotiations and the overall atmosphere in Seattle, leading Walker to seek a new opportunity.
The Chiefs’ deal signals a strong commitment to the 24‑year‑old. By guaranteeing $27 million in the first two years, Kansas City indicates that Walker will be a central component of its offensive strategy. “The team appreciates me here, and being in a place where I feel valued is important,” Walker said. “I expect to get the ball a lot, make plays, and I’m excited for this season.”
Walker’s move contrasts with the experiences of three previous Super Bowl MVPs—Larry Brown, Desmond Howard and Dexter Jackson—who each signed with new teams in free agency but not with clubs positioned as immediate title contenders. Kansas City, meanwhile, is actively re‑tooling its roster as it pursues a fourth Super Bowl victory since the 2019 season. The Chiefs entered the 2025 campaign with a clear need at running back, and Walker’s proven production offers a solution.
In Seattle, Walker posted two consecutive 1,000‑yard rushing seasons despite not being the primary ball carrier in the Seahawks’ offense. His performance demonstrated efficiency and big‑play ability, traits that Kansas City hopes to leverage more extensively. The sizable contract reflects the Chiefs’ belief that Walker can transition from a complementary role in Seattle to a starting, workhorse position in Kansas City’s high‑powered attack.
The signing underscores the growing trend of elite running backs securing long‑term, high‑value contracts, a shift from the traditionally short‑term deals that often characterized the position. For the Chiefs, the acquisition bolsters a backfield already featuring versatile playmakers, adding depth and a proven scorer as the team targets another championship run.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Walker adapts to Kansas City’s offensive scheme and whether his expanded role translates into increased production. His performance will be a key factor in the Chiefs’ pursuit of another Super Bowl title.
