How Jaxon Smith-Ngiba prevented Seahawks from re-signing Kenneth Walker originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
This offseason is shaping up to be a big year for the Seattle Seahawks. While the outcome of their Super Bowl 60 game will have an impact, the team still has a lot of free-agent decisions to make.
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No one takes center stage more than running back Kenneth Walker. He has been Seattle’s star through two playoff games. His future with the team is in question, and a new report doesn’t help the chances of a reunion.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano said Walker’s future may be in greater jeopardy due to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon. Why? Well, both of those guys are in need of massive extensions, and more so than Walker.
Seahawks will face Kenneth Walker question due to JSN, Witherspoon
“He (Walker) will likely draw interest from teams in free agency,” Graziano wrote, “and with the Seahawks looking to secure big-money extensions with high-end position players like wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Ngiba and cornerback Devin Witherspoon, it’s reasonable to wonder if he’ll be able to price himself into Seattle’s future.”
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This point about Graziano is very important. If the Seahawks re-sign everyone this offseason, or even just a handful of free agents, they’ll be investing a lot of money in players.
Walker isn’t the only free agent; Kobe Bryant, Tarik Woolen, Boyer Mafi, Rasheed Shahid, Derrick Young, Chazz Surratt, Josh Jones and Jose Job are all free agents.
more: Why Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Ngiba vs. Christian Gonzalez is the most important matchup in the Super Bowl, according to ESPN
We have tough decisions to make this offseason, and the massive upcoming extensions for Witherspoon and JSN will play a big role in the Seahawks’ performance this offseason.
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Re-signing JSN and Witherspoon is a must. Both will be one of the most expensive players at their respective positions, which means that Smith-Njiba’s AAV contract will be well over $30 million, and Witherspoon’s contract will be well over $25 million.
As Graziano noted, since running back is an easier position to replace, the Seahawks could walk Walker to find a cheaper replacement as their top receivers and linebackers are about to make massive trades.
