The Washington Commanders will likely move on from Austin Ekeler in free agency, and as a result, they need a new running back. After a disappointing season that resulted in many changes within the coaching staff, work will be done on the roster to ensure the Commanders can return to being a competitive team.
Commanders Predicted As Landing Spot for Kenneth Walker III in Free Agency To Replace Austin Ekeler
The Commanders will look for a new running back to start, with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez complementing the backfield. PFSN’s Top 100 free agents also projected landing spots for the players who made the list, and Walker could end up in Washington for his new team.
Jacob Infante wrote: “Kenneth Walker III played in all 17 games in 2025. The results were kind to the Seahawks’ starting running back, as he reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second time in his career. He also averaged a personal-best 4.6 yards per carry. He’s certainly not elite, but he ranked this season in the top 15 at his position in yards per carry, catch percentage, and elusive rate.”
Walker is set to become a free agent after winning the MVP for Super Bowl 60. He had a great performance in the game, with 27 carries and 135 yards. But the Seahawks already have Zach Charbonnet, and they have plenty of free agents to extend contracts. Replacing a running back is an easier task, no matter how good he is.
Walker could still end up returning to Seattle. It will depend on the offers he gets from the market, but many reports point out that the Seahawks are likely to be priced out of retaining him. In 2025, he had 221 carries, 1,027 yards, and 5 touchdowns, while contributing with 31 receptions and 282 yards in the passing game.
Walker, who ended the year ranked No. 20 in our PFSN RB Impact Metric, is projected to earn an average of $8.3 million in a three-year deal. This would give the Commanders a strong running back to pair with Jayden Daniels, their franchise quarterback, who’s also effective as a runner.
Walker knows that, if he returns to the Seahawks, his chances of playing for a competitive team will be higher. Still, running backs don’t usually last long in the NFL, and he’ll be a hot commodity on the market after a Super Bowl run. Going after a big contract would be understandable in such a vulnerable position.
One of the changes involving the Commanders’ coaching staff saw Kliff Kingsbury step down as offensive coordinator, with David Blough taking over. He’s expected to lead an offense with similar principles to Ben Johnson, his former offensive coordinator in Detroit.
Johnson bases his offense around the running game; Walker’s addition would be a step forward in this direction for Blough’s offense.
