Offseason In Review: Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks entered the 2026 offseason with a second Super Bowl title to their name but a looming ownership change and several key roster decisions to make. Like with all champions, a few notable departures have taken place over recent months.

For the third time in the three-year Mike Macdonald era, a new offensive coordinator is in place. Seattle’s attack will also be without the Super Bowl LX MVP. Even so, considerable carryover from 2025 has been achieved thanks to a number of re-signings and extensions. Expectations will be aimed squarely at a repeat in the Emerald City.

Extensions and restructures:

By the time the 2026 league year had begun, Seattle already had a big-money extension in place with left tackle Charles Cross. It was clear early in the spring there would be much more work to do on that front over the coming months.

Sam Robinson’s Offseason Outlook identified several candidates for an early financial commitment. To no surprise, both Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon had their fifth-year options picked up, ensuring they would be in place through at least 2027. As the timing of the Cross deal showed, though, Seattle’s front office was prepared to move with relative urgency in terms of quickly finalizing long-term agreements.

Smith-Njigba’s wait ended up being rather short. His market-topping accord was in place by late March, a sign of the Seahawks’ confidence in a sustained run of elite production being likely. The 24-year-old standout has made tremendous progress in each of the past two seasons, and his 15.1 yards per catch average in 2025 – Seattle’s first campaign with Sam Darnold at quarterback – easily represented a new career high.

That figure, coupled with a league-leading 1,793 receiving yards, helped earn Smith-Njigba a second straight Pro Bowl invite and a first-team All-Pro nod. Prior to Seattle’s Super Bowl victory, the Ohio State product also took home Offensive Player of the Year honors. Indeed, no eyebrows were raised when Smith-Njigba’s Seahawks extension moved him to the top of the receiver pecking order in terms of average annual value. His new pact ranks third in guarantees at signing among WRs, trailing only Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase in that regard.

2026 will see Brian Fleury take on offensive coordinator duties. The former 49ers staffer faces the task of keeping Seattle’s offense among the league’s most productive, and that will involve a continued heavy reliance on Smith-Njigba. Durability has not been an issue so far, and if that continues for the foreseeable future Darnold’s top target will remain an offensive pillar through at least the remainder of the decade.

In the aftermath of the Smith-Njigba extension, attention shifted to Witherspoon. Negotiations for the latter ended up lasting until mid-August but they produced a similar outcome. Witherspoon is also under contract through 2031, and he too leads his position in terms of AAV.

Taken 15 spots before Smith-Njigba in 2023, Witherspoon represents one of the main prizes from the Russell Wilson trade. The former No. 5 selection has been a Pro Bowler during each season of his career to date, handling full-time starting duties along the way and operating in a number of capacities. Witherspoon has logged over 1,100 snaps each in the slot and on the perimeter; a thoroughly split workload would come as no surprise moving forward.

PFF’s evaluation has been strong throughout Witherspoon’s Seahawks tenure. The Illinois product graded out second among cornerbacks in coverage but also against the run in 2025, and Seattle will be counting on him to remain versatile for the foreseeable future. Doing so would go a long way in ensuring Mike Macdonald’s defense stays at or near the top of the league in several categories. With the secondary facing a few questions ahead of 2026, Witherspoon’s ability to meet the expectations created by his extension will be critical.

Smith-Njigba became the NFL’s second wide receiver to land beyond the $40MM-AAV point; Witherspoon is the league’s fifth cornerback with a salary beyond $30MM per annum. The Seahawks are the only team with players in both clubs.

The cornerback AAV bar was at $22MM at this point two years ago, but a flurry of activity has transpired since. Derek Stingley Jr.‘s March 2025 Texans extension vaulted the market onto another tier, and the three ensuing deals into the $30MM-per-year range — for Sauce Gardner, Trent McDuffie and Denzel Ward — ended at $31.1MM AAV. The Seahawks moved the bar to $33MM for Witherspoon.

Thanks in large part to the Rams’ patient approach with respect to a Puka Nacua extension, Smith-Njigba does not have an immediate challenger for the top spot when it comes to receiver compensation. Witherspoon’s time as the highest-paid cornerback could prove to be short-lived, however, with Christian Gonzalez believed to be eyeing a deal which notably outpaces the rest of the field. In any case, Seattle’s top two 2023 selections enter the team’s title defense with plenty of certainty regarding their futures.

Smith-Njigba’s $69.13MM guarantee at signing ranks third among wide receivers, though his total guarantee figure ($120.1MM) leads the pack. After fully guaranteed compensation in 2026 and ’27, Smith-Njigba will see his 2028 salary ($18.83MM) and a $10MM 2029 option bonus become guaranteed on Day 5 of the 2028 waiver period. If Smith-Njigba is on Seattle’s roster on Day 5 of the 2029 waiver period, Spotrac notes he will see $31MM of his 2029 compensation lock in.

The Seahawks used a version of this structure with Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp and Ernest Jones this year. Seattle has a track record of avoiding early vesting dates for guaranteed money on extensions. The organization bent on that for Smith-Njigba, via the 2029 option bonus, but not for Witherspoon; the latter did not secure any year-out guarantees. Though, Day 5 of the 2028 and ’29 waiver periods will bring guarantees $17MM and $25MM, respectively, for the All-Pro cornerback in those years. The same structure, albeit with lower payouts, is present for Hall, who will see $4.2MM of his 2027 salary shift from an injury guarantee to a full guarantee on Day 5 of the ’27 waiver period.

As another piece of the Wilson trade puzzle, Hall has provided considerable value to Seattle early in his career. That was particularly evident in 2024, with the former second-rounder notching eight sacks. Hall’s production on that front saw a notable dip last season, with his defensive snap share being noticeably reduced as well. Nevertheless, Hall’s pressure total from 2025 (21) was not far off his figure from the previous year (29).

A trip to the open market next spring no doubt would have provided the 25-year-old with several options to choose from regarding his second NFL contract. Instead of testing his free agent prospects, Hall opted for continuity in Seattle. That decision will help the team navigate a pass rush situation which changed to an extent this year and is set to undergo further alterations beginning in 2027.

With Boye Mafe departing in free agency, DeMarcus Lawrence eyeing retirement after the 2026 season and Uchenna Nwosu unsigned beyond this year, the Seahawks likely turn to Hall — a 14-game starter in 2024 before returning to a bench role last season — as a starter in 2027. A young starter on a $14MM-per-year deal by that point — when the cap will be near or beyond $320MM — could age very well for Seattle.

Re-signings:

• Rashid Shaheed, WR. Three years, $51MM ($22.24MM guaranteed)
• Josh Jobe, CB. Three years, $24MM ($9.5MM guaranteed)
• Jake Bobo, WR. Two years, $5.5MM ($4.5MM guaranteed)
• Drake Thomas, LB. Two years, $8MM ($3MM guaranteed)
• Josh Jones, OL. One year, $4MM ($3MM guaranteed)
• Brady Russell, FB. Two years, $4.8MM ($2.15MM guaranteed)
• Chris Stoll, LS. One year, $1.45MM ($1.2MM guaranteed)
• Brandon Pili, DT. One year, $1.77MM ($750K guaranteed)
• Chazz Surratt, LB. One year, $1.4MM ($350K guaranteed)
• D’Anthony Bell, S. One year, $1.49MM ($225K guaranteed)
• Cody White, WR. One year, $1.15MM
• Ty Okada, Signed ERFA tender
• George Holani, Signed ERFA tender

Seeking depth at receiver and a boost on special teams, the Seahawks acquired Shaheed for fourth- and fifth-round picks ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. To say that move was worthwhile would be a significant understatement.

Upon reuniting with Klint Kubiak (after the two were together with the Saints in 2024), Shaheed saw limited action on offense compared to his regular role in New Orleans to begin the season. Nevertheless, his impact was felt in the return game. The former undrafted free agent totaled three return touchdowns between the regular season and Seattle’s playoff run. A punt-return TD in Week 16 against the Rams in particular played a key role in that comeback victory and by extension the Seahawks’ ability to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

On the back of that success, Shaheed unsurprisingly stated a desire to remain in Seattle for 2026 and beyond. Leading up to the start of free agency, it seemed as though the Weber State product would test his market, something which would have left the door open to a departure. While Shaheed had a few hours to speak with other teams, the defending Super Bowl champs prioritized him. An agreement was in place hours into the legal tampering period.

The Seahawks expect Shaheed, 28 this month, to take on a larger offensive role moving forward. Jaxon Smith-Njigba will of course remain the focal point of Seattle’s passing game for years to come, but Shaheed represents one of the league’s best vertical threats (and, of course, a player who will be paid considerably more on this deal than his rookie pact). Even in the event the latter continues to see his primary contributions come on special teams, the former UDFA figures to serve as an important figure on his second NFL team.

Jobe was a rotational presence as a member of the Eagles, but he saw a much more significant workload upon arrival with the Seahawks in 2024. A jump from six starts to 15 took place last season, with the 28-year-old remaining a full-time presence through Seattle’s playoff run. Retaining Jobe was an obvious goal given his importance to the team’s secondary, one which faces uncertainty among many of its backups entering 2026.

The cornerback position will of course become expensive moving forward in the Seahawks’ case, thanks to the long-awaited commitment to Devon Witherspoon. Jobe’s new pact also brings a notable raise compared to his other Seattle deals ($750K in 2024, $2MM in ’25). Even so, an $8MM AAV for a defensive regular certainly qualifies as team-friendly. Another run of strong play similar to last year – 12 pass deflections, 49.5% completion percentage allowed in coverage – would go a long way in helping Seattle’s passing defense remain among the league’s best.

Like Jobe, Bobo entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. That resulted in restricted free agent status, leaving the door open to an offer sheet. Deals on that front are rare in the NFL, but Bobo signed a Jaguars offer sheet in early March. Instead of joining a new team, though, the 6-foot-4 wideout will remain in place as a depth option with Seattle.

Though, a Friday knee injury to the fourth-year contributor could mar Bobo’s season. While the Seahawks retained Smith-Njigba, Shaheed and Cooper Kupp, they may be without Bobo this season. Fortunately for the defending champions, 2025 fifth-round pick Tory Horton is healthy after missing much of his rookie year.

Free agency additions:

• Noah Igbinoghene, CB. One year, $1.81MM ($750K guaranteed)
• Emanuel Wilson, RB. One year, $1.6MM ($550K guaranteed)
• Dante Fowler, OLB. One year, $2.5MM ($500K guaranteed)
• Rodney Thomas, S. One year, $1.4MM ($188K guaranteed)
• Nick Vannett, TE. One year, $1.3MM
• Brock Lampe, FB. One year, $885K
• Trevon Diggs, CB. One year (agreed to terms 8/19)

With nearly all of Seattle’s financial resources devoted to retaining in-house talent (for 2026 or beyond), little room was left for outside additions. Depth roles at best are in store for the Seahawks’ new faces, although Fowler could see notable time.

The journeyman logged 11 starts upon returning to Dallas in 2025. Fowler only managed three sacks after registering 10.5 the previous season. Significant fluctuations with respect to playing time has been a constant for much of Fowler’s career, making it difficult to predict how involved he will be at each new stop. This signing will reunite Fowler with Seahawks DC Aden Durde, who coached the former No. 3 overall pick with Dallas in 2023.

Seattle found success last season with the Lawrence addition, as the five-time Pro Bowler enjoyed an effective debut campaign following his Dallas tenure ending. Lawrence handled a 59% snap share in 2025, and a starter’s workload moving forward can be expected given the lack of investment along the edge this spring.

Still, Fowler’s age-32 season could easily see him chip in on a rotational basis with his latest team. A bounce-back season from a production standpoint could result in a more lucrative 2027 pact with Seattle or another suitor.

The Seahawks’ decision to reach a contract agreement with cornerback Terrion Arnold has invited plenty of scrutiny, and understandably so. The ex-Lions first-rounder is facing eight felony charges stemming from a June arrest. Arnold was initially named as an associate of others facing charges over an alleged revenge kidnapping plot to recover valuables stolen from him this past winter. Arnold turned himself in to police in late June; he has denied any wrongdoing.

During the early stages of legal proceedings in this case, Arnold’s representatives made it clear there would be interest from NFL suitors. Indeed, his Detroit release was followed in short order by visits to the Texans, Giants, Saints and Seahawks. It appeared at one point as though Seattle was no longer in contention to sign the 23-year-old. Former Alabama teammate Jalen Milroe offered a strong reference for Arnold, however, and an agreement soon followed.

There is no resolution imminent with respect to the criminal charges in this case. Arnold is set to be moved to the commissioner’s exempt list as a result. A league investigation will not begin until the legal process plays out, but NFL discipline does not require a conviction for a fine and/or suspension to be handed down.

In the event Arnold winds up sticking on Seattle’s roster, a place on the end of the roster could be forthcoming. This situation features plenty of uncertainty, though, leaving the team in position to explore contingencies. That resulted in the recent free agent visit with Diggs, who will also be reuniting with Durde — a Cowboys assistant from 2021-23.

Across his first three seasons in the NFL, Diggs racked up 17 interceptions and 49 pass deflections. That elite ball production resulted in an All-Pro nod, two Pro Bowl invites and a lucrative Cowboys extension. By 2025, however, the Alabama product’s future was very much in doubt and he was out of the fold by December.

A brief tenure in Green Bay brought about an underwhelming end to this past season in Diggs’ case. A lengthy waiting period ensued after being cut by the Packers, an illustration of how much the 27-year-old’s stock has fallen in relatively short order. Nevertheless, Diggs has a longer track record in the NFL than Arnold and does not bring off-field concerns. He may prove to be a more reliable addition, although if all goes to plan atop the CB depth chart, a backup role is all that will prove necessary anyway.

Notable losses:

PFR’s 2026 edition of the Top 50 Free Agent list was littered with Seahawks. Seattle managed to retain Rashid Shaheed and Josh Jobe, but four others – ranked between spots 14 and 28 – each departed on the open market.

None of those cases came as a surprise inside or outside the organization. When reflecting on his Chiefs deal, Walker said he knew sometime during the middle of the 2025 campaign he would not be re-upping with the Seahawks. Without a franchise or transition tag being applied, Seattle paved the way for a free agent move. Walker followed through by inking a three-year, $43.1MM Chiefs accord.

That Kansas City pact has since been dwarfed by those for the likes of Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor. Nevertheless, its average annual value ($14.35MM) and guarantee figure ($28.7MM) outpace what the Seahawks were prepared to pay for one half of a backfield committee. Walker thrived upon taking on a workhorse role following Zach Charbonnet’s divisional-round ACL tear, punctuated by his Super Bowl MVP nod. The Chiefs will be counting on a repeat of that playoff success on a more permanent basis.

New faces will (in part) be relied upon to help replace Walker’s production on the ground. The same is true at multiple spots on defense. Bryant discussed an extension with Seattle prior to the start of 2025, the final year of his rookie contract. No deal was reached, and like many of the Seahawks’ pending free agents he found a lucrative offer on the open market.

The Bears authorized a three-year, $40MM deal for Bryant. That contract did not break the bank, but it reflected the former fourth-rounder’s status as a versatile defensive back and a productive one at that (seven interceptions over the past two seasons). Replacing Bryant with any one player could prove to be a challenge for Seattle’s efforts to remain elite against the pass.

Efforts on that front will of course depend on continued high-end production in the pass rush department. Mafe saw his workload fluctuate while playing out his rookie contract. 2023 produced a 72% snap share, but that figure fell to 60% the following season before dropping once more to 50% in 2025. By October, it seemed increasingly clear a second Seahawks contract would not be forthcoming.

Mafe, 27, remained in place through the trade deadline but not due to a lack of interest from suitors or a willingness on the part of the Seahawks to move on. A swap with the Chiefs nearly took place in November. That would have given Kansas City a desired acquisition along the defensive front and allowed for Seattle to recoup draft capital. Instead, a free agent departure took place as expected (via a three-year, $60MM Bengals contract). As such, the Seahawks will need to wait until 2027 to receive a potential compensatory pick.

Woolen landing a multiyear commitment from a new team like Seattle’s other top free agents would not have come as a surprise. Nonetheless, he only secured a one year pact with the Eagles.

Woolen burst onto the scene with six interceptions and a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie; that production came under Pete Carroll and then-DC Clint Hurtt. but Year 2 of the Mike Macdonald tenure in Seattle saw his playing time drop to a career low. Like with Mafe, the UTSA product was viewed as a trade candidate leading up to the deadline. The lack of an agreement on that front allowed for Woolen to continue with the Seahawks temporarily, but both parties moved on in early March.

Walker has three seasons with over 1,100 scrimmage yards to his name, and his absence early in 2026 in particular could be acutely felt. Defensively, meanwhile, the trio of Bryant, Mafe and Woolen combined to log 2,355 snaps during the 2025 regular season. Seattle’s draft achieved plenty in terms of finding immediate replacement candidates but their ability to carve out roles early in their careers could prove to be key to the team’s title defense.

Draft:

• Round 1, No. 32: Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 64: Bud Clark (S, TCU) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 99 (from Steelers): Julian Neal (CB, Arkansas) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 148 (from Chiefs via Browns): Beau Stephens (G, Iowa) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 199 (from Lions via Browns, Bengals and Jets): Emmanuel Henderson (WR, Kansas) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 236 (from Packers): Andre Fuller (CB, Toledo) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 242 (from Bills via Browns and Jets): Deven Eastern (DT, Minnesota) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 255 (from Packers): Michael Dansby (CB, Arizona) (signed)

Positions of need were clear in Seattle’s case after the opening waves of free agency. For the first round in particular, a backfield investment was widely anticipated.

Leading up to the draft, the Seahawks were regularly mentioned as the logical destination for Price. Fighting Irish teammate Jeremiyah Love increasingly became connected to the Cardinals prior to Day 1, and he did indeed come off the board third overall. Price was the consensus No. 2 back in the draft, and it similarly was no surprise when his name was called by Seattle to close out Thursday night.

One year after taking Kenneth Walker in the second round, the Seahawks took the same route in adding Zach Charbonnet. Those two enjoyed a successful run as a tandem but Walker’s absence will vacate several opportunities. That will be true even after Charbonnet returns to full strength (the timeline of which remains unclear). Nevertheless, the early portion of the offseason sent mixed signals in terms of Price’s spot in the running back pecking order.

A workhorse role right away should not be expected for a player who received just 280 carries in three college seasons. Price was also not a major factor in the passing game at Notre Dame, totaling only 15 catches there. Even so, treating a first-round pick as anything less than one half of a backfield tandem is certainly uncommon in the NFL. Price should manage to carve out a notable role by the end of 2026 at the latest.

Having filled a hole on offense during Day 1 of the draft, Seattle understandably spent the event’s next phase bolstering the secondary. Clark was among the most experienced prospects in the 2026 class, having made 61 appearances across six seasons with the Horned Frogs. After posting at least three interceptions each year from 2022-25, he will be counted on to serve as defensive playmaker when on the field.

There may not be a long wait in store for Clark to become a regular on gamedays. He and Ty Okada are competing for the starting gig created by Coby Bryant’s departure. Even if Clark finds himself operating as a backup to begin his career, time in three-safety packages and on special teams can be expected. Past 2026, he could emerge as an important (and cost-controlled) producer on defense.

The Josh Jobe re-signing ensured Seattle’s top two corners will remain in place moving forward, but the depth behind them is yet to be sorted out. Neal could become a factor in that regard depending on his early showings at the pro level. After a four-year run at Fresno State, his one-and-done season with the Razorbacks was highly productive (55 tackles, two interceptions, 10 pass deflections).

Achieving a similar statline in 2026 would require a full-time starting gig in Neal’s case. That is of course unlikely, but as is the case with Clark a roster spot and a place in the gameday lineup at a minimum can be anticipated. A realistic path to the CB3 role may even be in store this fall, depending on how things play out with Seattle’s free agent additions at that spot.

Trades:

Other:

Paul Allen’s will made clear that after a period with his sister Jody operating the team, the Seahawks would be sold with the proceeds going to charity. Shortly after Seattle’s Super Bowl victory, the process of lining up bidders began.

Reporting on the level of interest in the Seahawks varied through the spring, but the upper range of projected purchases prices was ultimately reached. A report emerging shortly after news of the deal being finalized indicated at least six parties showed interest in this case. From that contingent, at least four made a bid. The Kholsa family was one of two finalists, and the designation of Vinod’s wife Neeru as controlling owner seems to have appealed to Jody Allen.

The record for NFL franchise sales has continually risen over time, and this Seattle figure comfortably set a new benchmark. Owners are scheduled to meet on August 26 to provide formal confirmation of the agreement, allowing for the Khosla group to take over in time for Week 1. Provided all goes according to plan at the meeting, Seattle’s first ownership change since 1997 will become official.

Deep into the coaching and front office hiring cycle, the Vikings elected to move on from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Minnesota relied on Rob Brzezinski to handle interim GM duties through free agency and the draft, but several external candidates for the full-time gig were considered. Teasley was among the most experienced options for Minnesota to choose from, with an NFL tenure dating back to 2014. After 12 years in Seattle, he will now join a new organization for the first time in his career.

As a minority candidate, Teasley’s hire will result in the Seahawks receiving two third-round compensatory picks. His absence, along with Kirchner’s, will nevertheless be acutely felt on a team aiming to navigate the challenges of maintaining a championship core.

Seattle’s front office will still have plenty of stability, though, thanks to the internal promotions. Berry and Willie Schneider have worked in several capacities during lengthy Seahawks stints, although the former’s future could include further outside interest after he conducted a Titans GM interview in 2025.

Lawrence joined Seattle on a three-year free agent deal to end his 11-season run in Dallas. After winning his first career Super Bowl, though, the acclaimed pass rusher emerged as candidate to hang up his cleats. Instead, Lawrence will spend a second campaign in the Emerald City before (likely) bringing his career to an end.

As things stand, the 34-year-old is owed $9MM for 2026. That figure includes a base salary of $8.15MM, $5MM of which has already vested. Lawrence is on track to remain a defensive regular after logging over 600 snaps last season. With 67.5 sacks to his name, he is also a contender to reach the all-time top 100 list in that regard. In either case, a noteworthy role in the Seahawks’ title defense should await Lawrence as he embarks on his swan song.

Top 10 cap charges for 2026:

1. Sam Darnold, QB: $37.9MM
2. Leonard Williams, DT: $29.64MM
3. Uchenna Nwosu, OLB: $20.02MM
4. Cooper Kupp, WR: $17.47MM
5. Devon Witherspoon, CB: $15.39MM
6. Julian Love, S: $12.88MM
7. DeMarcus Lawrence, OLB: $12.83MM
8. Ernest Jones, LB: $11.48MM
9. Charles Cross, T: $10.88MM
10. Abraham Lucas, T: $10.42MM

The only player listed who is a pending 2027 free agent is Nwosu, although Lawrence’s pending retirement will create ever more urgency in terms of finding pass rush replacements. Many deals running beyond 2026 include modest cap spikes for next year, which should help Seattle’s core remain intact. However, a Williams extension could elevate his future cap hits while a second consecutive strong campaign on Darnold’s part would no doubt increase the chances of a substantial raise in his case.

This past season, John Schneider became the NFL’s first general manager to build two entirely different Super Bowl-winning rosters. Darnold’s turnover-free play during the playoffs was critical in allowing a defense which led the league in DVOA and points allowed to remain dominant through the postseason. Seattle finished third in scoring under Klint Kubiak, and replacing him will be critical to ensuring sustained high-level play in all phases.

The Rams proved to be Seattle’s toughest obstacle en route to the Super Bowl last season. Los Angeles’ offseason has produced a number of splashy acquisitions and resultant headlines; a stiff test no doubt awaits on that front once more. But the large number of familiar faces for 2026 (and, in a number of cases, well past that point) should give the Seahawks a very strong chance at retaining their title.