The Kansas City Chiefs have strengthened their offense by signing star running back Kenneth Walker III in a blockbuster move. The deal adds a proven playmaker to an already explosive lineup as the team aims to remain a championship contender in the coming seasons.
According to reports cited by NextPulseNews (NPN), Walker has agreed to a three-year contract worth $43.05 million, with incentives that could push the total value to $45 million. The agreement includes $28.7 million in guaranteed money, placing Walker among the highest-paid running backs in professional football.
The contract is ranked third among active running backs in terms of total contract value. Only Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers, who has a contract worth $48 million, and James Cook of the Buffalo Bills, who has a contract worth $46 million, have more lucrative contracts. Walker’s contract is also better than the $42 million contract of Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts.
In terms of guaranteed contract, Walker is also among the best in the league. Only Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles and Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders have better guarantees than Walker. Walker’s $28.7 million guarantee is even better than that of veteran running back Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens.
Walker is moving to Kansas City after a stellar season with the Seattle Seahawks, in which he played a key role in helping his team win its second Super Bowl title. Walker’s outstanding play in Super Bowl LX only added to his already impressive reputation as one of the best running backs in the National Football League.
In the championship game, Walker rushed for 135 yards in 27 attempts, giving a stellar performance. He was given Super Bowl MVP honors for his efforts.
In the regular season, Walker accumulated 1,027 yards in 17 games, including five touchdowns. He finished as one of the top rushers in the 16th spot. The 2025 season was a comeback season after Walker was limited by injuries in the 2024 season.
Walker quickly announced his move via social media after rumors of the trade surfaced. The graphic was posted, showing Walker in a Chiefs jersey with the caption “Chiefs Kingdom.” The trade was also announced via multiple sources.
Chiefs Add Another Offensive Weapon
Walker’s arrival could be a great boost to the Chiefs’ already potent offense. The team continues to surround its superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who is one of the most exciting players in the league.
However, there is good news about another veteran tight end, Travis Kelce. Speculations have been going around that he might retire or leave the team. But it has been reported that he intends to return to the team for the 2026 season.
On another front, Mahomes is recovering well from his torn ACL. He is reportedly ahead of schedule, and it has been reported that he could be ready for Week 1 of the new season.
Should Mahomes return to form, the addition of Walker could help to create a more balanced offense by bolstering the rushing game.
Walker was originally drafted 41st overall in the second round of the 2022 draft by the Seahawks. The former football star for the Michigan State Spartans made an immediate impact in the league as a rookie, rushing for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns.
While injuries hindered the early part of Walker’s career, the most recent campaign proved that the back is still one of the most explosive ball carriers in the game.
Now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, the goal for Walker will be to provide the same kind of game-changing performances. For the Chiefs, the move is a statement: the team is dedicated to building a roster that can compete for championships while bolstering the backfield with one of the most exciting ball carriers in the game.
