Seahawks: 15 best defensive backs in franchise history

The Seattle Seahawks have had some very good defenses since the team’s inception in 1976. That includes some great defensive backs and one Hall of Famer. The 2022 team might actually have two rookie corners that make this list one day as well in Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant so stay tuned on them.

During the early 2010s, the Seahawks defenses were built from back to front. Meaning, the strength of the defense was really the secondary. If a quarterback had nowhere to throw, opposing offenses would be thwarted. No defense was better over a four-year span than the Seahawks from 2012 through 2015.

A massive reason for this is a few players that will be on this list. No spoilers on page one. But let’s not forget the other fantastic defensive backs who have played for Seattle over the decades. Here are the 15 best in Seattle history.

15 greatest defensive backs in Seattle Seahawks history

Number 15: Seahawks cornerback Willie Williams, 1997-2003

Willie Williams began and ended his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers but in between that he played 7 years for Seattle. He started 74 of the 105 games he played for the Seahawks and had 17 interceptions. Between 1999 and 2001, Williams had at least 4 picks in each of those seasons. He also returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns.

Williams’ 17 picks rank 11th all-time for Seattle. His 3 pick-sixes rank second all-time. He also forced 4 fumbles. He never made a Pro Bowl (though maybe he should have in 1995 with the Steelers when he had 7 interceptions, he was good in pass defense and solid against the run.