ESPN's Adam Schefter recently reported that the Seattle Seahawks are not likely to franchise tag running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. You read that right, the player who was most valuable in Super Bowl 60 for the Seahawks could very well hit free agency in March.
How does this apply to the Tennessee Titans? Well, the Titans are going to need to revamp their rushing attack behind Cam Ward, with Tony Pollard being a potential cap casualty. With Tennessee heading into free agency with the most cap in the NFL, they should be shopping heavy on both sides of the ball.
While Ward has shown he can be special in this league, and with Brian Daboll now as his offensive coordinator, the Titans still need to provide a solid rushing attack. While Walker is not a dynamite playmaker on a consistent basis, he can still do great damage.
Walker rushed for over 1,000 yards in Seattle this past season and he dominated in the playoffs as well. He has definitely cashed in on a nice-sized contract, and the Titans could very well be in the mixture…but so could other AFC South teams.
Titans (and 2 other AFC South teams) listed as potential landing spots for RB Kenneth Walker
Sayre Bedinger from NFL Spin Zone listed the Titans, Jaguars and Texans as landing spots for Walker should he ultimately leave Seattle. So basically, the entire AFC South outside of Indianapolis. Here’s what Bedinger said Walker and the Titans:
"Not that the Titans, who already have nearly $100 million in projected salary cap space, really need the savings, but they might want to reset the clock at the position. Walker is four years younger than Pollard and is also a Tennessee native." said Bedinger.
A Tennessee native, there is familiarity with Walker and he would have the chance to join an offense under Coach Daboll that can move the ball up and down the field. Plus, with the Titans still needing to bring in quality help on offense for Ward, bringing in someone like Walker would help take the pressure off of the passing attack.
Even if the Titans decide to not go the route of getting Walker, it is what it is. However, if he ends up in the AFC South, especially with Jacksonville or Houston, it could be a nightmare for Tennessee twice a year if Walker picks up where he left off in the Super Bowl.