How Chiefs’ contract with Kenneth Walker III compares to other NFL running backs
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $45 million deal with $28.7M guaranteed.
- Walker’s $14.35M base is highest for an RB free-agent deal; avg ranks fourth.
- Recent moves reset pay for positions: cornerbacks, centers and running backs saw spikes.
NFL teams have spent some big-time money over the past week.
After working out a trade with the Chiefs for Trent McDuffie, the Rams reset the market for cornerbacks by giving him a four-year, $124 million contract extension.
And the Raiders signed former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum to an $81 million contract over three years. That is the biggest deal ever given to an NFL center.
While the Chiefs made the biggest splash for a running back in free agency, they didn’t reset the market with the deal given to former Seattle star Kenneth Walker III.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Walker received a three-year, $45 million contract with $28.7 million guaranteed. Walker’s base salary is $14.35 million. NFL reporter Tom Pelissero said that is the highest-paid free-agent deal for a running back in NFL history.
However, Walker’s average salary is the fourth-highest in the NFL, according to Over The Cap.
Here is the top five:
- Saquon Barkley, Eagles: $20.6 million
- Christian McCaffrey, 49ers: $19 million
- Derrick Henry, Titans: $15 million
- Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs: $14.35 million
- Breece Hall, Jets: $14.293 million
Walker’s fully guaranteed money from the Chiefs is third behind Barkley ($36 million) and the Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty ($35.9 million).
So while Walker didn’t reset the market, he is still going to be one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
This story was originally published March 11, 2026 at 10:54 AM.
