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 oversight or a calculated gamble? Let’s dive in.
If you’ve ever wondered about the Seahawks’ approach to retaining top talent, General Manager John Schneider’s actions in 2026 paint a clear picture. Despite having several standout 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 hesitant to apply 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 temporary shift or the start of a long-term strategy? Only time will tell.
Across the league, a few players did receive the tag this year, including:
- RB Breece Hall (New York Jets), set to earn $14.3 million on a non-exclusive tag unless a new deal is reached,
- WR George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys),
- TE Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons),
- And QB Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts), who received a transition tag.
Now, let’s talk about why Breece Hall’s tag matters for the Seahawks. If Hall hadn’t been tagged, it might have created a more dynamic market for running backs. Instead, his tag value alone gives us a clear benchmark for what Walker’s services could command. Here’s the kicker: Walker is fresh off a Super Bowl MVP performance and his best season since his rookie year. With a healthy market likely awaiting him, the Seahawks’ backfield is poised for a major overhaul. Walker’s departure, coupled with Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh recovering from ACL injuries, leaves Seattle in uncharted territory.
But here’s the real question: Did the Seahawks underestimate Walker’s value, or are they confident in their younger talent? And what does this mean for the future of their running game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
