In a perfect world, the Seattle Seahawks would have loved to retain running back Kenneth Walker III this offseason. The Super Bowl 60-winning MVP was arguably Seattle’s most important offensive player throughout their incredible playoff run. Unfortunately, difficulties against the salary cap made that impossible.
Walker ended up hitting free agency and signing a three-year, $43 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. At $14.3 million per season, Walker is now a top-five paid back in the NFL. The Seahawks couldn’t justify that, with extensions for Jaxon Smith-Njigba (now signed) and Sam Darnold (next offseason) needed.
Another recent extension at running back proves why the Seahawks couldn’t realistically compete for Walker in this ball-carrying market. The Miami Dolphins recently signed De’Von Achane to a four-year extension worth up to $68 million. If those financial details are totally accurate, Achane will earn even more money per year ($17 million/season) than Walker will.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks replaced Walker by drafting former Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price at No. 32 overall. By comparison, Price’s four-year rookie contract will be worth just $16.7 million, according to Over the Cap. That’s a bargain $4.1 million per season, thanks to the CBA’s rookie wage scale.
The Seahawks wisely went the bargain route at a non-premium position. Of course, Price must meet expectations for John Schneider’s decision to earn full praise. When it comes to roster-building philosophies, the Seahawks simply couldn’t participate in the increasing running back market, and Achane’s new extension further proves why.
Dolphins, RB De’Von Achane agree to 4-year extension worth up to $68M. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/yQbdpBkC7K
— NFL (@NFL) May 13, 2026
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: De’Von Achane contract proves why Seahawks let Kenneth Walker III walk