Seahawks' 'Most Underpaid Player' Ready to Sign Contract Extension?

After a dominant rookie season for the Seattle Seahawks, Kenneth Walker III was dubbed the team's most underpaid player.

There was plenty to like about the Seattle Seahawks last season, seeing as they made the playoffs despite the offseason trade of Russell Wilson. Of course, having one of the best offenses in the NFL goes a long way in making that happen.

While quarterback Geno Smith's career resurgence was a key factor in their offensive success, he was far from the sole reason. The emergence of running back Kenneth Walker III in the Seahawks' backfield gave Seattle a budding star at the position.

Now, as Walker enters his second season in the NFL, YardBarker identified him as the most underpaid player on Seattle's roster. 

"The Seahawks used a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Walker, who quickly became an impact player," YardBarker writes. "He could be in line for an even bigger breakout season in 2023 given all of the talent the Seahawks have assembled around him on offense. He counts just $1.9M against the cap, giving the Seahawks great value at the position."

Walker's rookie season saw him take the NFL by storm once he was inserted into the starting role following the season-ending injury to Rashaad Penny. He finished with 1,050 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, making his presence felt on the ground in Seattle. 

Fortunately for the Seahawks, Walker was just a rookie and thus he will only be costing them a mere $1.9 million in 2023, $2.3 million in 2024. and $2.7 million in 2025. Yes, he'll likely get an extension in the distant future, though it obviously remains to be seen if Seattle is willing to spend on the position. Walker would obviously welcome some long-term security, but he'll need to keep proving to the Seahawks that he's worth a big contract while playing position that continues to be the sport's most expendable.

Still, for a team looking to remain perennial playoff contenders? A rising-star running back at the current cheap price can't be beat.

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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