Richard Sherman Speaks Out on Kenneth Walker III Leaving the Seahawks – Seattle Legend Says the Decision Was Best for Both Sides
SEATTLE, Washington – The 2026 NFL free agency market has already delivered one of its most notable storylines as Kenneth Walker III officially leaves the Seattle Seahawks to join the Kansas City Chiefs. The departure of the Super Bowl LX MVP sparked strong reactions across the Seahawks community, and former Seattle legend Richard Sherman was quick to offer his blunt take on the situation.
According to reports from ESPN, Walker reached an agreement with the Chiefs on a three-year contract worth $43.05 million, including $28.7 million fully guaranteed. The deal averages roughly $15 million per season, a figure believed to be the highest annual value ever given to a running back signing as a free agent.
Speaking on his podcast, Sherman admitted he was not surprised by Walker’s exit from Seattle. The former All-Pro cornerback explained that the financial value Walker could command on the open market made it difficult for the Seahawks to realistically compete.
“I predicted this was going to happen because of the number he was going to get. Teams like the Chiefs were always going to value him higher and be willing to pay that kind of money. He deserves it.”
Despite Walker’s importance to Seattle’s offense, Sherman does not believe the move will severely damage the Seahawks’ future. In his view, the organization still has a strong foundation and must also consider upcoming contract extensions for key young stars.
Among those players are Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, both widely viewed as core pieces of Seattle’s long-term plan. Keeping financial flexibility for players like them was likely a major factor in the Seahawks’ decision.
Sherman believes Seattle ultimately chose the most practical path available. Rather than overextending financially to keep Walker, the team allowed him to pursue the major contract he had earned on the open market.
“I think both sides ended up with what was best for them. Seattle will be fine, and Kenneth Walker is going to do fantastic in Kansas City.”
Walker is coming off the most productive season of his career in 2025, finishing with 1,309 yards from scrimmage while averaging 4.6 yards per carry, even while sharing touches with Zach Charbonnet. With that level of production, the Chiefs believe they have added a major weapon to their offense.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks are expected to lean more heavily on Charbonnet and could also explore adding another explosive running back in the NFL Draft. While Walker’s departure marks the end of an era in Seattle, Sherman believes the franchise remains well-positioned to stay competitive in the years ahead.
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