Kansas City Chiefs sign Kenneth Walker in $45m deal as Kelce stays
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker on a three-year, $45m deal in a move designed to revitalize their rushing attack.
The former Seattle Seahawks running back arrives to provide much-needed support for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is currently returning from a recent injury.
In a double boost for the franchise, veteran tight end Travis Kelce has also delayed his impending retirement to play a 14th NFL season in 2026.
Explosive running threat
Walker joins the AFC heavyweights after an outstanding championship-winning campaign.
The dynamic runner was crowned Super Bowl MVP in February after leading his former team to victory over the New England Patriots in Santa Clara.
Analysts believe this high-profile arrival directly addresses a glaring weakness in the Kansas City offense.
The franchise struggled to generate expansive plays on the ground last season, with their backfield combining for just a single rush of 20 or more yards.
NFL analyst Phoebe Schecter highlighted the stark contrast between the new signing and the team’s existing, more rigid rushing personnel.
“The Chiefs for ages now, one of the biggest complaints around them is they have no explosive run game.”
“A guy like Kenneth Walker, just coming off his Super Bowl MVP, he’s had four-plus runs of over 50 yards.”
Taking pressure off Mahomes
The addition of the talented ball-carrier is expected to ease the creative burden on Mahomes as he orchestrates the offense.
Fellow analyst Jeff Reinebold emphasized that the star quarterback has been forced to carry too much of the workload with an average receiving corps.
“He’s got to be the guy that takes some of the pressure off of Patrick.”
“Right now, Pat’s having to create; throwing the ball to receivers that I’d say are somewhere in the mid-pack of the NFL as a group.”
While Kelce’s decision to return provides a familiar and reliable target, Reinebold noted that the 36-year-old’s physical capabilities have naturally declined.
“He gets Kelce back, which is going to be good, but Kelce is a lumbering tight end now: he’s not a nifty guy anymore.”
The Chiefs will now focus on integrating their new multi-million dollar asset into the backfield as they assemble their roster for the 2026 campaign.