Kenneth Walker III has been a mainstay in the Seattle Seahawks' offense since the franchise selected him in the second-round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has ran for 2,528 yards and 24 touchdowns on 600 carries, while adding 723 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 102 receptions.
The 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up has struggled to stay on the field, however, as he has appeared in just 41 out of a possible 51 games. He is once again banged up as he has been dealing with a foot injury during training camp and has yet to take the field during the preseason.
Meanwhile, Seattle's running game has looked much improved in his absence, averaging 219.0 rushing yards per game over their first two matchups. The production is a huge step in the right direction after the franchise averaged just 95.7 rushing yards per game in 2024, the fifth-fewest in the NFL.
As the regular season approaches, a recent report suggested that Walker III is the team's player under the most pressure.
Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III labeled as player under the most pressure
Walker III is entering somewhat of a make or break year in 2025 as he is in the final year of his rookie contract with his future in Seattle unclear at the moment. Zach Charbonnet, who the Seahawks selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has impressed as have George Holani, Damien Martinez and Jacardia Wright.
Brady Henderson of ESPN listed Walker III as the Seahawks' player under the most pressure, writing:
"He is among six starters from the Seahawks' 2022 draft class who are playing for a new contract in 2025, and like many of them, he still has something to prove. When healthy, he's a tough runner. But Walker has missed 10 games in three seasons and chunks of this offseason with ankle and foot injuries. The ever-reliable Zach Charbonnet has impressed the Seahawks in his absence, giving the organization a pivot if Walker can't stay healthy and produce in 2025."
Seattle's running game (and their offensive line, in particular) has looked much better than they did a season ago. Walker III, who has led the Seahawks in rushing yards and carries in each of his three NFL seasons, will certainly have plenty of chances to prove his long-term value to the franchise.
Charbonnet's impressive start, however, has made him slightly more expendable. If Walker III is unable to stay healthy and produce, Seattle could move on in the offseason. If he is productive, the organization could look to retain both players to form a formidable one-two punch with Holani, Martinez and Wright serving as depth.