The Seattle Seahawks have a split backfield with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Both running backs have been quality contributors to the Seahawks' ground game, and neither has taken over the backfield.
Walker was seemingly taking over the last few weeks, but against the Minnesota Vikings, Charbonnet made the split 50-50. While the split is good for Charbonnet, it's been a troublesome one for Walker.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell highlighted how Walker is trying to land a quality new contract this offseason, and being in a split backfield is putting his NFL future in limbo. Walker might wind up with a similar deal to Najee Harris, something he's hoping doesn't happen.
ESPN insider reveals Kenneth Walker's free agent wish
"As a pending free agent," Barnwell writes, "Walker is obviously hoping for a multiyear guarantee as opposed to something like the one-year, $5.3 million deal that Najee Harris signed during the offseason."
Ending up with a $5.3 million deal like Harris would be a major letdown for Walker. His explosiveness as a runner and highlight ability make him one of the more appealing players to go after in a vacuum.
But, with teams being hesitant to pay running backs, and Walker coming off a year in a split backfield, he might not land the multi-year deal he's seeking.
Barnwell did highlight how Walker could increase his chances of landing such a deal, and while it's a simple insight, it's something worth paying close attention to the rest of the season.
"Walker's chances of making that happen might come down to hitting on a long touchdown or two between now and the end of the season," Barnwell writes.
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It's simple, but it makes sense. If Walker can showcase his explosive playmaking ability, especially as Seattle gears up for a playoff run, then he could incentivise a team to spend big on him this offseason.
He won't land a record-breaking deal, nor a contract among the elite running backs. But a multi-year contract worth more than Harris's $5.3 million would be ideal for Walker.
Walker has 733 rushing yards this season on 160 attempts. His four touchdowns are also not the greatest, as his overall usage is lower than in any season he's played in previously.
He's getting just 1.7 receptions per game and 13.3 rushes per game, both the lowest marks in his career. With both coinciding in the same season, his overall production has seen a dip.
The 25-year-old running back is heading into free agency after 2025, and a strong finish is imperative to Walker landing a quality deal. Walker is trying to avoid a Najee Harris-esque contract, and a few big plays to close out the year could be the difference.
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