The Los Angeles Chargers have enough cap space this offseason to go hunting for the biggest game on the market.
Of course, their main priorities lie on their offensive line, and that will need to be addressed first. But, depending on how they accomplish that goal, there is always room to hope they land a major offensive weapon.
Prior to the Super Bowl, there was reason to believe that target might be Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks. Walker's rookie contract comes to an end this offseason, and Seattle will have a lot on their plate attempting to reassemble a championship-worthy squad.
Yet with his performance on the biggest stage, Walker reminded everyone, including the Chargers, why he won't be available this offseason.
Super Bowl LX proved that Kenneth Walker III is a prime franchise tag candidate
As dominant as the Seahawks were this season, there were large stretches where their offense was relatively unproductive. They finished the season eighth in total passing yards, but they were 24th in yards gained per rushing attempt.
The duo of Walker and Zach Charbonnet out of their backfield was productive but highly inefficient over the course of the regular season. If Seattle wanted to go a different direction, letting Walker go in free agency in favor of a cheaper option, it would have been understandable.
Walker finished the regular season with 1,003 yards and just five touchdowns on the ground, earning a lackluster 4.6 yards per attempt. It was a solid season, but it was nothing special.
But Walker nullified all of that with his performance in the postseason. Across three games, he amassed 313 yards and four touchdowns on the ground coupled with 104 yards on nine receptions through the air. His 135 yards against the New England Patriots netted him the first Super Bowl MVP won by a running back since Terrell Davis in 1998.
Seattle has ample cap space this offseason, and they now have no choice but to extend Walker or franchise tag him.
Of course, Walker was always a pipe dream for Los Angeles. But imagine his fit alongside Omarion Hampton in the backfield. The Chargers have long-sought a lethal run game, and Walker could have easily provided them with that.
The franchise tag for running backs in 2026 sits at roughly $14 million, per Spotrac. It's certainly within the Seahawks' power to bring him back, and they now have no reason not to do so.
There are other options on the market for the Chargers, but missing out on Walker will be a painful blow.