Story perspectives

Kenneth Walker III Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid RB

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 2:50 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kenneth Walker III rushed for 173 yards and scored two touchdowns.
He added three receptions for 18 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Walker forced 14 missed tackles and gained 101 yards over expected, setting a Chiefs back record since 2018.
He signed a three-year, $43.05 million deal, becoming the NFL’s highest-paid running back.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL introduced a modern salary cap, and the San Diego Chargers signed running back Marshall Faulk to a $30 million three-year deal. That contract set a precedent that expanded to Adrian Peterson’s $100 million, five-year agreement with the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. Kenneth Walker III now mirrors this trajectory, securing a three-year, $43.05 million pact with the Kansas City Chiefs as the league’s highest-paid running back. The escalating salaries compel franchises to devote larger cap portions to backs, reshaping roster strategies for upcoming seasons.

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Story summary

Kenneth Walker III rushed for 173 yards and scored two touchdowns.
He added three receptions for 18 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Walker forced 14 missed tackles and gained 101 yards over expected, setting a Chiefs back record since 2018.
He signed a three-year, $43.05 million deal, becoming the NFL’s highest-paid running back.

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