Seahawks to lean on Kenneth Walker with major free agency implications at stake

This weekend in the NFC Championship game, the Seattle Seahawks are going to be relying on Kenneth Walker in a major way. ESPN's Adam Schefter detailed the outlook for Walker in this massive game against the Los Angeles Rams.

"With Zach Charbonnet out due to a torn ACL, Kenneth Walker III now will become the Seahawks' workhorse running back," Schefter notes.

This update is a big one for the Seahawks for the game, but it also holds massive ramifications for Walker this offseason. As he's set to hit free agency, a strong NFC Championship performance won't just help the team; it will help load up his wallet.

Seahawks' Kenneth Walker has millions at stake vs.  Rams

Charbonnet will be sitting on the sideline, and without a clear number two behind Walker, the Seahawks will be leaning heavily on the upcoming free agent.

George Holani and Cam Akers will be getting some work in the backfield against the Rams, but Walker will be the focal point and have a chance like he has not had before in his career.

Not only will the Seahawks need Walker to have a great game to increase their odds of beating the stingy Rams, but Walker's performance will have a big impact on his free agency.

More: Kenneth Walker's contract situation looms large after dominant showing vs. 49ers

He's not projected to land a massive deal, as Spotrac.com has his current projected APY at around $8 million or so. It's not a terrible deal for Walker, but a big game to get the Seahawks to the Super Bowl could earn him a few extra million per-year.

Walker, who just had a 116-yard, three-touchdown performance against the San Francisco 49ers a week ago, can further increase the odds of landing a big contract this offseason with a dominant performance against the Rams.

While it's a tougher matchup against the Rams defense, and in a much bigger game, Walker's responsibilities will be imperative to the Seahawks success.

More Seahawks news:

• Mike Macdonald keeps Seahawks focused on a bigger prize
• Zach Charbonnet injury updates: Latest news on Seahawks RB after leaving game vs. 49ers with knee issue
• Rashid Shaheed kickoff-return TD: How Seahawks put 49ers into immediate hole in divisional-round matchup
• 49ers vs. Seahawks final score, results: Kenneth Walker, dominant defense help Seattle cruise past San Francisco
• Seahawks defense dominates 49ers: How swarming Seattle unit is peaking at right time