The biggest signing of the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 offseason was adding Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker on a three-year deal worth roughly $43 million. A number that has aged well incredibly quickly, thanks to a league that has continued to push the value at the position in favor of the players. De'Von Achane was by far the most notable example with the Miami Dolphins handing the back a four-year deal worth $64 million with an annual average of $16 million.
Breece Hall is another example of Kansas City's decision aging well, with the back coming in just above Walker, earning $43.5 million over three seasons. This speaks to how the value at the position has continued to grow even in the weeks since Kansas City opted to add Walker. To put it simply, there is no question that the contract is already paying the Chiefs dividends.
Not only does Walker's deal come in at a lesser total value, but the Chiefs can escape the deal after the first two seasons with only $4.3 million in dead cap, according to Spotrac. Ideally, this is an escape clause that will never be utilized, but the fact that KC has it speaks to a job well done by the front office and how much better the deal is looking already.
Another piece of this that is overlooked is that Kansas City got the deal done before two other upcoming dominoes fall. Both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are due extensions, with either star back having a great chance to reset the market and make the position all the more expensive.
Chiefs' decision to sign Kenneth Walker already aging well across the league
For the Chiefs, even if the signing wasn't already looking like a steal, the cost was well worth the potential payoff. The franchise understood the limitations on Patrick Mahomes to begin the 2026 season and the importance of finding a consistent running game. It's hard to find a more perfect answer than a playmaker like Walker coming off a Super Bowl MVP performance, who helped elevate Sam Darnold to becoming a champion.
It is fun to imagine what the back might accomplish with the league's best quarterback and the genius of Andy Reid. While you have to be mindful of the deals you hand out, there was reason to believe in taking a risk at the position.
One that has instantly paid off before Walker has ever taken the field, based on the increasing costs in free agency and contract extensions. The Chiefs unquestionably made the right decision and can't help but already appreciate the level of security Walker offers on a contract that by its end is likely to appear a bargain.
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