Why the Seahawks Let Kenneth Walker III Go and How He’s Excelling with the Chiefs

The Seattle Seahawks released running back Kenneth Walker III in the 2026 offseason, a move that still raises eyebrows among fans and analysts. Walker, a 2022 first‑round pick, posted a modest 3.6 yards per carry and 560 rushing yards in his rookie season before a hamstring injury limited his sophomore campaign. Seattle’s front office cited depth at running back, a shift toward a pass‑heavy offense, and salary‑cap considerations as the primary reasons for the decision. In hindsight, those factors appear short‑sighted when compared to Walker’s immediate impact in Kansas City.

Since joining the Kansas City Chiefs, Walker has become a central piece of the offense. In the first six games of the 2026 season he has logged 425 rushing yards on 78 carries (5.4 yards per attempt), added three touchdowns, and contributed 210 receiving yards. His ability to break tackles and maintain high burst through the second level aligns perfectly with the Chiefs’ zone‑blocking scheme, allowing quarterback Patrick Mahomes to extend plays without sacrificing pass protection.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised Walker’s football IQ, noting that the rookie “understands spacing and timing faster than most veterans.” Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald echoed that sentiment, stating, “Kenneth Walker is playing at the highest level in the league right now. His vision and quickness force defenses to adjust, and that opens up everything else for us.”

Seattle’s decision also reflects a broader trend in the NFL: teams increasingly prioritize versatile backs who can line up as receivers. The Seahawks drafted a hybrid running back in the 2025 draft, effectively rendering Walker expendable under the new offensive philosophy. Moreover, Seattle’s salary‑cap structure left little room for a second high‑priced back, prompting the front office to cut ties rather than restructure the contract.

From a strategic standpoint, the Seahawks missed an opportunity to develop a proven talent alongside veteran Chris Carson. While the Chiefs have integrated Walker seamlessly, Seattle’s backfield now relies heavily on a single feature back, a risk that could expose the team to injuries and limit play‑calling flexibility.

In summary, the Seahawks’ rationale—depth, scheme fit, and cap constraints—did not anticipate Walker’s rapid adaptation to a zone‑blocking system and his chemistry with Mahomes. The Chiefs have turned a modestly productive rookie into a league‑wide threat, validating Macdonald’s claim and underscoring the cost of Seattle’s short‑term calculus.