Why did Chiefs sign Kenneth Walker III, and what's next? - ESPN

The Kansas City Chiefs went 6-11 in 2025, their worst record since 2012. After trading away star cornerback Trent McDuffie, the team opened free agency by making a big addition — signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.

Walker has split carries in Seattle, landing between 153 and 221 in his four seasons with the Seahawks. But he has been one of the league's most explosive runners in that span.

ESPN Kansas City Chiefs reporter Nate Taylor, Seattle Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson, NFL analyst Seth Walder and senior fantasy sports writer Eric Karabell discuss the move and what's next for both teams.

Walker's contract is set to become one of the largest deals for a running back in league history, including the most guaranteed money in free agency. This decision shows us just how much the Chiefs wanted to improve at the position to regain their status as a Super Bowl contender. The Chiefs no longer want quarterback Patrick Mahomes to bear the sole burden of lifting the offense with highlight-worthy moments.

Walker's postseason success was alluring to the Chiefs. The 25-year-old can produce explosive runs behind right guard Trey Smith, center Creed Humphrey and left guard Kingsley Suamataia. And with Mahomes' gifted right arm, Walker shouldn't face many loaded boxes that include eight defenders, giving him space to create missed tackles when he reaches the open field. — Taylor

The Chiefs are swinging back to the early portion of Mahomes' career, when the offense was the leading unit. GM Brett Veach has never signed a cornerback the Chiefs drafted to a second contract, so it appears the front office has prioritized supporting Mahomes, who is recovering from surgery to repair the torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. The