Andrew Buller-Russ
Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t reach the AFC Conference Championship for the first time since Patrick Mahomes took over as starting quarterback in 2018. The Chiefs didn’t even reach the playoffs, which was Kansas City’s first time doing so since 2014. It’s time to get back on track.
On Monday, the first day of the NFL’s free agency negotiation window opened. Within 30 minutes, the Chiefs had already made a big splash.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Chiefs have agreed to sign running back Kenneth Walker III. Tom Pelissero reports that Walker’s contract is expected to be for three years and $45 million. That makes him the highest-paid ‘free agent’ running back in NFL history. Saquon is the NFL’s highest-paid running back (at $20.6M per season, but he signed an extension).
Walker, 25, is coming off the second 1,000-yard season of his career, most notably having a huge game (135 rushing yards) in Super Bowl LX to help the Seahawks escape with a win. The 5-foot-9, 211-pound running back brings a big body to Kansas City’s backfield with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt entering free agency.
He finished the season with 1,027 rushing yards, 5 TDs, and 31 receptions for 282 receiving yards. Walker then tacked on another 313 rushing yards and 4 TDs plus 104 receiving yards in three playoff wins. Now, he’ll look to continue that success in Kansas City.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 Projections Before NFL Free Agency
