Kansas City Chiefs Eyeing Running Back Upgrade: Could Kenneth Walker III Be Their Answer?

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a critical offseason, looking to fill several key roster holes as they prepare to stay competitive in the ever-challenging NFL landscape. One glaring need that has been underperforming for the Chiefs in recent seasons is their running back position, which has often left much to be desired. Despite the leadership of Patrick Mahomes and a potent aerial attack, the Chiefs have struggled to establish a consistent ground game.

This offseason, the Chiefs may turn their attention to filling that void, and one of their top targets could be Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP and standout running back for the Seattle Seahawks. Walker is set to hit free agency after the expiration of his rookie contract, and as he makes his case for a lucrative new deal, the Chiefs could be among the teams eyeing him as a potential solution to their running back dilemma.

The Chiefs’ Running Back Woes and Possible Solutions

For much of the past four seasons, the Chiefs have relied on a series of different running backs to lead their ground attack. Names like Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have been central to the Chiefs’ rushing efforts, but neither player has been able to break the 1,000-yard barrier in any of those seasons. This lack of production has left a noticeable gap in an otherwise high-powered offense.

Kansas City could potentially look to remedy that by drafting Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame—a Heisman Trophy finalist and dual-threat back who is expected to be the first running back off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the Chiefs’ pick is at No. 9, and recent mock drafts have had Love potentially going one spot ahead to the New Orleans Saints at No. 8 overall. If that happens, the Chiefs will be forced to consider other options—either targeting a middle-round rookie who can develop into a starting role, or going after proven free agents who may be more expensive but ready to contribute immediately.

Kenneth Walker III: A Game-Changer for the Chiefs?

One potential solution could be Kenneth Walker III, a dynamic playmaker who has proven himself to be one of the best running backs in the league. During the 2025 regular season, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards, scoring five touchdowns. He also showcased his skills in the passing game with 31 receptions for 282 yards. Walker was a key contributor to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run, amassing 313 rushing yards, 104 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns across three playoff games. His performance culminated in a Super Bowl MVP performance, where he rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries and caught two passes for 26 yards, solidifying his place as one of the league’s top talents at the position.

For the Chiefs, adding a player of Walker’s caliber would not only bolster their rushing attack but also give Mahomes a reliable dual-threat back who could take some pressure off the quarterback as he recovers from a torn ACL. With Mahomes coming off a serious injury, a solid ground game could be essential in ensuring the offense remains balanced and productive while Mahomes continues to get back to full strength.

Financial Considerations: Is Signing Walker the Right Move?

While adding a player like Kenneth Walker III would undoubtedly provide a boost to the Chiefs’ offense, there are financial considerations to take into account. Walker, who was drafted as a second-round pick in 2022, is coming off a four-year rookie contract worth $8.45 million. As a result, he will likely be seeking a significant pay raise in free agency, with estimates suggesting he could command $9 million annually on a four-year, $36 million deal.

For the Chiefs, who are currently facing a salary cap deficit of nearly $55 million, investing in Walker could be a more financially viable option than making a major move for a top draft pick. While Love might be the preferred choice for many fans and analysts, Walker would represent an immediate upgrade to the Chiefs’ ground game without the uncertainty of a high draft pick.

Furthermore, the Chiefs are likely to part ways with offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, saving them $20 million in cap space. With that savings and a few more potential cuts, the Chiefs could make room to sign a player like Walker while still addressing other pressing needs, such as defensive line and edge rusher, which are expected to be areas of focus in the offseason.

A More Cost-Effective Strategy: Free Agency and Draft Balance

Looking at the bigger picture, free agency might actually be a smarter path for the Chiefs when it comes to the running back position. By signing a proven player like Kenneth Walker, the Chiefs could avoid investing their top-10 draft pick in a position that has a lower return on investment compared to other high-need areas like offensive tackle or defensive line.

The Chiefs could use their top draft pick to address one of these more expensive positions of need, ensuring they fill higher-priority roster spots while still bolstering their running game with a proven commodity like Walker. By doing so, the Chiefs can maximize their cap space and ensure they stay competitive in multiple areas across the roster.

Conclusion: Will the Chiefs Swing Big for Walker?

As the 2026 offseason approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a crucial position. They have several key roster holes to fill, and their approach to free agency and the draft will ultimately determine their chances of remaining Super Bowl contenders. Adding Kenneth Walker III to the fold could provide the Chiefs with the game-changing running back they’ve been missing, but it will come down to the team’s financial strategy and how much they are willing to invest in their ground game.

If the Chiefs can clear enough cap space by making the right cuts and trades, signing Walker could be a savvy move that pays off immediately. However, if the team decides to go another route—either by drafting a rookie or pursuing other free agents—it will be interesting to see how they balance the need for a strong running back with the other areas of need on their roster.

For now, Chiefs fans will be eagerly watching to see what moves Brett Veach and the front office make, knowing that this offseason could have major ramifications for the team’s ability to continue competing for titles in the years to come.