In order to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026, the Denver Broncos have to establish a formidable rushing attack. The early returns on J.K. Dobbins in the 2025 season were promising, but the Broncos’ running game cratered when he was sidelined in the second half of the season due to a Lisfranc injury. While the franchise did spend second-round pick on RJ Harvey, his impact as a runner was limited and his best utilization was as a receiver out of the backfield.
The Broncos’ front office vowed to be aggressive
in free agency. But will they opt to spend big at the running back position? Only time will tell, but with a multi-year Super Bowl window ahead of them, I am absolutely in favor of them making a splash to upgrade the ground game in ‘26. One player who could potentially be available for them is Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker, who was a huge reason for success the Seattle Seahawks had this season.
Player Profile
Running Back | Kenneth Walker | Seattle Seahawks
Height: 5’9’
Weight: 217 pounds
Age: 25 years old
Experience: 4 NFL seasons
2025 stats: 221 carries for 1,027 yards [4.6 YPC] 5 touchdowns, 31 receptions on 36 targets for 282 yards
Should the Broncos sign running back Kenneth Walker?
This year’s free agency group at running back is absolutely stacked. Yesterday, Scotty Payne wrote about adding Breece Hall into the fold. In addition to Hall and Walker, there are a handful of other quality players we will be reviewing prior through early March. There is no shortage of options, and I’d be absolutely stunned if the Broncos didn’t make one of the best players available an addition to the squad with their offseason endeavors.
There are a few reasons why I believe Denver should be all about adding Walker. This year, the team tried to implement a heavy utilization of outside zone concepts into their run game plans. Sometimes they hit, but a lot of the time, they didn’t generate many yards per carry or production in that respect.
Walker’s patience and vision on a runner was evident in his collegiate days at Wake Forest and Michigan State. In fact, his approach reminds me quite a bit of how Le’Veon Bell looked during his peak years. He is a strong runner on inside zone concepts, has incredible cutback ability, but also a wicked jump cut and the lateral agility to bust things outside when necessary and leaves little yards on the field.
Anybody who watched the Super Bowl a few days ago saw how easy he made it look taking stuffed runs for big gains. He also showed a penchant for breaking tackles and making the most of his opportunities when rushing lanes were clogged in Seattle this past year. Those were definitely something missing from the Broncos’ rushing attack in ‘25.
In his four-year career, Walker has 954 touches for 4,560 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns. For those wondering about his ball security, he has only three fumbles in 58 games played with 54 starts. This season, he took a big leap as a receiver and averaged over 9 yards per catch, several yards higher than his previous career best. We all know Head Coach Sean Payton likes to use running backs in the passing game, and Walker’s chops there are more than adequate.
Why wouldn’t the Broncos be interested in adding a player like that to their offense?
Why the Broncos will not sign Kenneth Walker in free agency.
How the Broncos have their free agent running back board stacked will be under close wraps. The major reason I think Walker may not wind up in the Mile High City is simple—he just won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks who have a great team and situation. They have an ample amount of cap space this offseason and years into the future.
For that reason, it will be hard to convince him going elsewhere would be what is best for him and his career. Though with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak heading to Las Vegas to coach the Raiders, perhaps he is interested in a change of scenery. Additionally, with his incredible playoff performance and Super Bowl 60 MVP honors, the market rate for Walker may wind up being much higher than Denver is willing to spend at the position.
Final Thoughts
It’s not often Super Bowl MVP players and great runners like Walker hit the market. Some may wince at the prospect of spending big at running back. However, adding a dynamic playmaker like Walker who is sound at a running between the tackles and outside of them would be a huge get for their offense.
Over the past two seasons, there have only been a handful of games where both the passing game and running game were in sync. Finding a player capable of shouldering most of the carries in the running game and being efficient will be crucial for the progression of Bo Nix entering his third season. Everyone who watched the Seahawks this season, especially this postseason, knows how important a good ground game was to them.
It may be tough to pry Walker from a great situation in Seattle, but if he is willing to test the open market, I would not be surprised at all if the Broncos show a lot of interest. They have nothing to lose by doing so and everything to gain. Go big or go home, and I fully expect Denver to get one of the best backs available in free agency.
What do you think, Broncos Country? Would you be in favor of Denver spending big in free agent to lure Walker to the Mile High City or do you prefer another back in free agency? Sound off in the comments section and let me know your thoughts.
