Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is poised for free agency after the Seahawks' franchise tag decision

Trent Dilfer joins Colin Cowherd to discuss Sam Darnold’s struggles and how he overcame them, Fernando Mendoza’s value as the first overall pick and whether the Seattle Seahawks have the blueprint for NFL success.

For just the fourth time in the past three decades, the reigning Super Bowl MVP will likely be available on the open market. 

The Seattle Seahawks declined to exercise the franchise tag for running back Kenneth Walker III before Thursday’s deadline, according to multiple reports.

NFL teams had until late Tuesday afternoon to apply the franchise tag to eligible players whose contracts expire once the new league year starts next week. The Seahawks and Walker could still work out a long-term deal before the free agency period officially opens. If not, Walker would explore the open market.

Larry Brown, Dexter Jackson and Desmond Howard are the only other players to reach free agency in the weeks immediately after being named Super Bowl MVP.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs against New England Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium Feb. 8, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Seahawks general manager John Schneider reacted to a report that another member of Seattle’s championship offense intends to hit the open market. 

Acquired from the Saints in November, Rashid Shaheed had 188 receiving yards in nine regular-season games with Seattle.

Schneider took issue with the timing of the news. 

"I saw the report yesterday, and I was like, ‘He and his representatives, I think they’ve been testing free agency for over a week now.’ I’m not sure why that was news yesterday," according