# Seahawks watch Walker III dominate for Chiefs

> Kenneth Walker III led the NFL in rushing yards Week 1 after Seattle declined to match Kansas City's record contract offer.
- Title: Seahawks watch Walker III dominate for Chiefs | Shortify
- Summary: Kenneth Walker III led the NFL in rushing yards Week 1 after Seattle declined to match Kansas City's record contract offer. Walker III signed a record $43.05…
- Keywords: kenneth walker iii, seattle seahawks, kansas city chiefs, denver broncos, nfl, running back, free agency, contract negotiations, patrick mahomes, week 1, monday night football, sports
- Source: Seattle Seahawks On SI — https://si.com/nfl/seahawks/onsi/seattle-seahawks-may-regret-not-signing-kenneth-walker-iii-after-chiefs-debut
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:30:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kenneth walker iii, seattle seahawks, kansas city chiefs, denver broncos, nfl, running back, free agency, contract negotiations, patrick mahomes, week 1, monday night football, sports
## Walker leads Week 1 rushing
Kenneth Walker III topped all NFL rushers in Week 1 with 173 yards in his Kansas City Chiefs debut against Denver.
## Career high in new uniform
The 173-yard performance surpassed Walker's previous best of 167 yards, which came in his rookie season with Seattle.
## Record contract for a running back
Walker signed a three-year, $43.05 million deal with Kansas City, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
## Seattle wouldn't match the price
The Seahawks were open to bringing Walker back but only offered around $10 million per year, far short of Kansas City's deal.
## Explosive plays sealed the win
Walker's 60-yard touchdown run opened the second half, and he added a reception from Patrick Mahomes to put the game away.
## Too early to judge the decision
Kansas City is reaping early benefits, but whether they won the free agency battle will unfold over the full season.
## Key takeaway

Walker III signed a record $43.05 million deal with Kansas City after Seattle offered only $10 million per year, and he immediately delivered a 173-yard debut performance.