‘This Ain’t Saquon Barkley’ — NFL Analyst Shuts Down Narrative of Kenneth Walker Being Chiefs’ ‘Savior’

Tristin McKinstry Thu, September 3, 2026 at 3:07 AM UTC

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The Kansas City Chiefs made a splash in NFL free agency back in the spring. They signed Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III to a three-year contract, $45 million contract, sending a clear message that the franchise aims to get right back where it belongs.

This was a big deal for the Chiefs. Kansas City struggled to maintain a consistent rushing attack in 2025. With their stars returning healthy for 2026, they needed to add a ball carrier who could impact the game when the ball wasn’t in the hands of Patrick Mahomes.

Many across the NFL termed it a great move by the Chiefs. However, not everyone is convinced. One NFL analyst, in particular, believes the impact Walker could bring is a bit overhyped.

NFL Analyst Doesn’t Believe Chiefs’ Kenneth Walker III Is A ‘Savior’

NFL analyst Jason McIntyre appeared on an episode of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” on Wednesday. The analyst spoke about the Chiefs during this appearance and used the opportunity to shut down the narrative that Walker could solve their run-game issues.

“Kenneth Walker as a savior? Are we talking about the guy who had two 100-yard games when platooning with (Zach) Charbonnet, and only really dominated in the playoffs because the (Seattle) Seahawks were leading by a billion?

“That Super Bowl MVP? Kenneth Walker as a savior? (He) is a fine football player. This ain’t Saquon Barkley going to the Eagles and going to the Super Bowl. That’s not this, not at all,” McIntyre said.

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"Kenneth Walker as a SAVIOR?? This ain't Saquon Barkley going to the Eagles and winning a Super Bowl."@jasonrmcintyre doesn't expect Walker to bring the Chiefs offense back to elite status pic.twitter.com/rG6JyUrZuJ

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd)

The FOX Sports analyst was responding to a report that mentioned that Chiefs GM Brett Veach thought of Walker as the “savior” of his team’s run issues. This is not a direct quote from Veach, however.

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There is some validity to McIntyre’s concerns.

For instance, Walker had the 23rd-highest impact rating among running backs in 2025, according to PFN’s RB Impact Rankings. When taking the postseason into account, he jumps to the 11th-highest impact rating. Walker also owns the highest jump in impact rating when accounting for the playoffs.

Still, the Chiefs have a talented enough offense that it could open things up for the veteran running back. Additionally, he is a two-time 1,000-yard rusher who has only had one season below 900 rushing yards.

Whether this is “savior” territory is certainly up for debate. However, there is a clear impact that Walker can make on this team. That’s what Kansas City is hoping for when he takes the field in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

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Source: “AOL Sports”