Seattle Seahawks 2026 Offseason Outlook: Free Agency & Draft Preview

The Seattle Seahawks have officially turned the page on a historic 2025-2026 campaign, shifting focus from the bright lights of Super Bowl LX to the critical business of the offseason. As the dust settles on Mike Macdonald’s second year at the helm—a season that redefined the franchise’s defensive identity—General Manager John Schneider faces one of the most pivotal springs in team history. With substantial cap space but a laundry list of high-profile free agents, the decisions made in the coming weeks will determine if Seattle’s championship window remains wide open.

Current analysis projects the Seahawks to have approximately $66 million in salary cap space, ranking them among the league’s top spenders heading into March. However, with stars like Kenneth Walker III and Tariq Woolen seeking long-term security, that flexibility will be tested immediately. This guide breaks down the Seattle Seahawks’ 2026 offseason landscape, from key roster decisions to critical NFL Draft needs.

State of the Franchise: Post-Super Bowl LX

The 2025 season will be remembered as the year Mike Macdonald’s defensive scheme truly took hold, propelling the Seahawks to the top of the NFC West. The tactical evolution was evident, particularly in how the defense stifled opposing quarterbacks. For a deeper look at the championship landscape the Seahawks just navigated, check out our guide to Super Bowl 2026 LX, which contextualizes the high stakes of this past February.

Offensively, the gamble on Sam Darnold (following the trade of Geno Smith to the Raiders in early 2025) paid dividends, stabilizing the quarterback position. However, the question remains: is Darnold the long-term answer, or a bridge? The upcoming contract negotiations will tell us if Schneider views the 2025 success as sustainable with the current core.

Key 2026 Free Agents: Walker, Woolen & Mafe

The Seahawks’ priority list starts with retaining their homegrown talent. The 2022 draft class, which reshaped the franchise, is now looking for second contracts.

Kenneth Walker III (RB)

Walker has been the engine of the offense, but paying running backs remains a contentious issue in the modern NFL. Walker’s camp will likely push for a deal that resets the market, arguing his value transcends typical positional metrics.

Tariq Woolen (CB)

Woolen’s length and speed are irreplaceable in Macdonald’s zone-heavy scheme. Losing him would create a massive void in the secondary. Comparisons to other defensive battles, such as the Ravens vs. Steelers rivalry, highlight the importance of elite secondary play in maintaining a top-tier defense.

Boye Mafe (EDGE)

Mafe has developed into a premier pass rusher. With edge rushers commanding premiums, Seattle may have to use the franchise tag if a long-term deal isn’t reached before free agency opens.

Salary Cap Strategy: The $66 Million Question

Entering the 2026 league year, the Seahawks are in a robust financial position. However, “cap space” is often an illusion once extensions kick in. Extensions for Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon are looming on the horizon, meaning John Schneider must balance winning now with future solvency.

We could see tactical restructuring of veteran contracts to front-load deals for Walker or Woolen, ensuring the team remains compliant while keeping its core intact. For insights into how other teams manage playoff rosters and cap implications, our analysis of the Bills vs. Jaguars offers a relevant case study on roster construction.

2026 NFL Draft Targets & Capital

After trading draft capital to acquire Rashid Shaheed in 2025, the Seahawks enter the 2026 NFL Draft with fewer picks than usual. This makes hitting on mid-round selections crucial. Key areas of need include:

• Interior Offensive Line: Protecting the quarterback remains priority number one.
• Linebacker Depth: To support the complex blitz packages Macdonald prefers.
• Safety: With Coby Bryant hitting free agency, safety depth could be a sneaky Day 2 need.

Fans keeping an eye on the broader sports calendar, including the 2025-26 NBA schedule, know that the sports cycle never truly stops. For the Seahawks, the transition from Super Bowl contender to offseason strategist begins now.

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