Vikings Named a Fit for Super Bowl Stud
The Minnesota Vikings might need a fresh solution at running back, and the Super Bowl MVP is scheduled to hit free agency. He’s Kenneth Walker, and CBS Sports believes he has an outside chance of landing in Minnesota one month from now.
Walker-to-Minnesota chatter hinges on price and role, even with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason already on the roster.
Zachary Pereles put together a list of Walker’s free-agent landing spots, and the Vikings earned a mention among other RB-needy franchises.
Minnesota’s Case for a Kenneth Walker Swing
For now, Minnesota has Jones and Mason under contract in 2026.
Vikings Make the Cut on Walker Shortlist
Pereles’s list contained five teams, with Minnesota earning an honorable mention of sorts.
He explained, “The Vikings bear mentioning. Minnesota has Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but Jones is 31 and coming off the lowest yards per carry (4.2) of his career. A runner of Walker’s caliber would help J.J. McCarthy and Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota, like Kansas City, is in a tough financial spot.”
Even before Walker blew up in the postseason and Super Bowl, Vikings fans had oggled his free agency. Walker probably went from a free agent with $8 million earning power to a year to $12 million or so with his Super Bowl MVP trophy. The man has glorious timing.
A Return to Seattle with Zach Charbonnet’s Injury?
Charbonnet’s ACL recovery timeline has changed Seattle’s approach to Walker, at least in theory. The Seahawks could initially afford to be patient with Walker, but with Charbonnet likely sidelined until October or November, Walker’s importance to the team — and his negotiating leverage — has increased.
The development significantly alters Seattle’s offseason strategy. Walker is now positioned to secure a contract in the $12 million-per-year range. Previously, letting him leave after his contract expired seemed reasonable, given Charbonnet’s potential as a replacement. However, that is no longer a viable option unless Seattle is willing to risk a Super Bowl hangover.
Extending Walker’s contract is logical, too. While his running style can be inconsistent, his peak performance places him among the league’s most formidable running backs. Seattle has already achieved success with Walker as their primary RB1, winning Super Bowl LX with him leading the ground game, diminishing the need to overhaul the position.
Financially, the extension is feasible. Seattle has approximately $72 million in cap space and a few other pressing high-value internal contracts. Moreover, Mike Macdonald’s staff recognizes the continued importance of a strong running game, even in a pass-heavy league. With Charbonnet’s injury and ample cap space, securing Walker appears increasingly inevitable.
The Numbers for Walker
Walker has missed 15% of all games in the NFL due to injury, so his next team, if applicable, should expect him to play 14- or 15-game seasons. That’s just the way it goes for him.
However, in 2025, he played all 17 games for the first time, tabulating 1,027 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, in addition to 282 yards through the air. He also almost never fumbles; ball security is his modus operandi.
The only reason the Vikings might shy away? He’s not an elite pass-blocker, and often in Kevin O’Connell’s system, a pass-blocking RB1 feels mandatory.
Other Suitors?
Aside from Seattle re-signing Walker, Pereles named the Jacksonville Jaguars as Walker’s top pursuer.
He wrote, “Rookie Bhayshul Tuten didn’t have enough carries to qualify, but if he had, he would have ranked 49th. Walker doesn’t have to be a terrific pass catcher or blocker. Tuten can handle the former, and fellow 2025 rookie LeQuint Allen can handle the latter.”
“It could be a strong match between a creative play caller and a talented running back. There are connections, too: Chad Morton was the Seahawks’ running backs coach when Seattle selected Walker and now holds the same role in Jacksonville. Shane Waldron was Seattle’s offensive coordinator at the time as well and is now the Jaguars’ pass game coordinator.”
The New York Jets also got some love: “The Jets also fall into the category of lead running back potentially going elsewhere. Breece Hall is a free agent. Selected five picks before Walker in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hall has been less explosive but significantly more consistent down to down.”
“The Jets’ offense was dismal in 2025, but with a new offensive coordinator in Frank Reich, a new quarterback almost certainly coming to town, a solid young offensive line and some of the deepest pockets in free agency, New York could be a fit.”
The Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Texans rounded out Pereles’s list.
Walker will turn 26 around Week 7 of the 2026 regular season.
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