The Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Kenneth Walker III, whose fantasy football value increases.
One of the open secrets of NFL Free Agency this season has been the Kansas City Chiefs’ interest in signing a top running back. They wasted no time by signing the top free agent RB in our rankings, Kenneth Walker III.
After winning Super Bowl MVP, Walker heads to Kansas City to play under Andy Reid, one of the best offensive minds of all time. What does this signing mean to the Chiefs, and what does it mean for Ken Walker’s fantasy value? Let’s take a look below.
Chiefs Sign Kenneth Walker III, Fantasy Value High
The offense of the Kansas City Chiefs has not been, well, “Chiefs-like” over the past couple of seasons. The big reason for this has been the lack of a running game. Last season, Kansas City had just one carry of at least 20 yards by a running back. This lack of success can absolutely be attributed to the offensive line, but it was also an issue with the talent in the backfield.
The Andy Reid offense is built upon having a rushing threat in the backfield, which is not something they have had. As a result, the Chiefs have needed to pass to have any success. But due to the offensive line struggles, Patrick Mahomes did not have much time to throw. A pass-heavy approach with no pass protection is the combo that bad offenses have, and the signing of Kenneth Walker III is hoping to fix this issue.
Ken Walker is the best running back Andy Reid has had since Brian Westbrook in Philadelphia. The 2007 season highlights what Reid would love to get out of a running back, as Westbrook finished the season with 1,333 rushing yards, 771 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. The Chiefs also made the move to bring Eric Bieniemy back as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy served as the Bears’ RB coach this past season. He has specialized in coaching RBs in the NFL, including Adrian Peterson, for several years in Minnesota.
For the type of player Kenneth Walker III is, he works better in a tandem. This past season, Walker finished as RB23. If he stays healthy, Walker should have the ability to be featured a bit more and finish as a high-end RB2 or low-end RB1. In terms of dynasty value, his value rises for me, though he is still firmly behind the established RB1 options.
Kenneth Walker III Contract
The Kenneth Walker III contract details have been announced by the Kansas City Chiefs! Walker signed a three-year contract worth up to $45 million in incentives. Of that, $28.7 million is fully guaranteed. This is a number that the Seattle Seahawks were unable to match, which is why the Super Bowl MVP left town following the big win.
RB Free Agent Rankings
Read our RB free agent article here!
- Kenneth Walker III
- Travis Etienne
- Rico Dowdle
- Tyler Allgeier
- Kenneth Gainwell
- Rachaad White
- JK Dobbins
- Aaron Jones
- Brian Robinson
- Kareem Hunt
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