Seahawks unlikely to franchise tag star RB Walker

The Seattle Seahawks are not expected to utilize the franchise tag on their Super Bowl MVP running back, Kenneth Walker III, according to league sources. This decision is influenced by the team's financial obligations, including Super Bowl tax costs, and their desire to retain other key free agents, such as wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The window for applying franchise or transition tags runs through March 3.

Walker, who earned MVP honors in Super Bowl LX, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, concluding his rookie contract. The projected cost of a franchise tag for a running back is $14.5 million, with a transition tag costing $11.7 million. Over 16 seasons, General Manager John Schneider has only used the franchise tag twice. This season, Walker contributed 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns, stepping up significantly in the postseason after a teammate's injury.