The Super Bowl MVP moved from the Seattle Seahawks to the Kansas City Chiefs during free agency. However, according to a report, money wasn’t the only factor in his decision.

For running back Kenneth Walker, the NFL’s free agency period was a major success, at least financially. The reigning Super Bowl MVP signed a three-year, $43.05 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, $28.7 million of which is guaranteed.

In doing so, he capitalized on his significantly increased market value following the Super Bowl, while the Seattle Seahawks lost one of their key offensive players. However, a new report suggests that the 25-year-old wasn’t just interested in accepting the best financial offer.

As reported by “The News Tribune,” Walker was also dissatisfied with his playing situation with the Seahawks for much of the season. According to the report, he was “upset” that he was no longer the undisputed number one and had to share carries with Zach Charbonnet.

During the regular season, Charbonnet even saw slightly more playing time, taking the field on 49 percent of offensive snaps. Walker, on the other hand, had to settle for 47 percent of the snaps. It wasn’t until Charbonnet tore his ACL in the playoffs that Walker became the undisputed lead back.
Kenneth Walker is the clear number one with the Kansas City Chiefs
The new role distribution with the Seahawks was also based on the fact that Walker had repeatedly struggled with injuries in the past. Job sharing was intended to reduce this risk—which, at least in Walker’s case, proved successful. He remained virtually injury-free during the 2025 season.

Nevertheless, Walker switched agents in January, apparently with the goal of finding a team where he would be the clear starter in the backfield going forward. With the Chiefs, that is likely to be exactly the case.

At his introductory press conference, Walker spoke meaningfully about his new team. “It means a lot,” he said. He continued: “You feel appreciated and needed—that’s what everyone wants. That’s why I’m just happy to be here, to get to know the guys, and to work.”