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Northwest Sports Update: Walker among Seahawks leaving in free agency, WWU women book ticket to national tourney and more

AP Photo/Julio Cortez Photo: Associated Press


Seahawks News

Several key Seahawks, including their Super Bowl MVP, have already found new homes as NFL free agency kicked off today.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that running back Kenneth Walker III has agreed to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s receiving a three-year deal worth $43 million with nearly $29 million fully guaranteed.

Walker is coming off a season where he totaled a career-high 1,300 scrimmage yards and was a critical piece of the Seahawks’ playoff run after fellow running back Zach Charbonnet got injured.

Meanwhile, Schefter reports that edge rusher Boye Mafe has agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Mafe totaled 20 sacks over four seasons in Seattle, with nearly half of them coming from his career year in 2023.

And another big defensive piece is departing in safety Cobe Bryant, per the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Bryant is reportedly signing a three-year, $40 million deal with the Chicago Bears. He’s racked up seven interceptions over his past two seasons in Seattle.

But at least two of the Seahawks’ key free agents are staying. Schefter reports that wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is returning to Seattle on a three-year, $51 million deal.

And ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Josh Jobe is returning to Seattle on a three-year, $24 million contract. Jobe had an interception and 12 pass breakups after coming off the practice squad into a full time cornerback spot for the Seahawks.

NFL News

As the Seahawks start to see the pains of free agency, their division rivals just got a big add.

ESPN reports that the San Francisco 49ers are signing star receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal worth up to $60 million.

Evans reached at least 1,000 yards in each of his first 11 seasons with Tampa Bay before having his streak snapped last season due to injuries. The future Hall of Famer will look to bolster a Niners receiving room that was riddled by injuries this past season.

HS Basketball News

Three Whatcom County basketball teams are state champions after the dust settled from the tournament over the weekend.

The Lynden girls, Lynden Christian boys and Lummi Nation boys all won their title games on Saturday.

The Lions beat Prosser 59-49 to complete their three-peat as 2A champions, while also winning their 75th straight game.

After that, the Lyncs handled Zillah 61-42 to win the 1A state title. Lynden junior Finley Parcher and LC junior Dawson Hintz each won tournament MVP for their respective classes.

The Blackhawks capped off the day by edging Tulalip Heritage 61-56 to repeat as 1B state champions. Senior Jerome Toby Jr. scored 26 points to help Lummi beat their rivals for an unprecedented fifth time this season.

Meanwhile, the Lummi girls beat Pateros 54-45 earlier in the day to claim 4th place in the tournament, their highest finish since 2009.

WWU Vikings News

Western’s women’s basketball team is going to the Big Dance.

The Vikings earned the No. 2 seed in the West Region in the NCAA D-II Tournament Selection Show yesterday.

It came after they fell to Montana State Billings 66-61 on Saturday to come up second in the GNAC Championships. But the Viks were recognized for their exceptional season, owning a 24-7 record heading into the national tournament.

They’ll tip it off against 7th-seeded Point Loma in Ellensburg on Friday afternoon.

Mariners News

The Mariners continued spring training today, but spoiler alert if you’re planning to listen to the game on tape delay tonight on KPUG.

The M’s spring training woes continued in a 2-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks this afternoon. Bryan Woo gave up one run through four innings, but Seattle’s bats went cold.

The M’s have now lost nine of their last 10 Cactus League games.

You can listen to the tape-delayed version of the game tonight on KPUG. Coverage begins at 7:00 and first pitch is at 7:10.

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