The Seattle Seahawks almost certainly won't be taking an off-ball linebacker in the 2026 NFL draft or signing one in free agency. The team worked out a new deal with Drake Thomas ahead of free agency, and the inside linebacker spot should be set for the next two seasons, meaning Seattle can focus on other things.
Of course, the inside linebacker position isn't a highly-paid one for the most part, nor an overdrafted one, but not worrying about it is key, too. Thomas's new deal, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, will pay him as much as $9 million through 2027, with a base of $8 million.
That is a raise over the tender Seattle could have applied, which would have given him $3 million a season next year. In other words, general manager John Schneider confirmed with head coach Mike Macdonald that Thomas was who they wanted to pair with Ernest Jones for the foreseeable future, and the deal was done.
Seattle Seahawks wrap up Drake Thomas for at least two more years
Thomas was an undrafted player out of North Carolina State in 2023, originally signed with the Las Vegas Raiders before being released and signed by the Seahawks. He didn't play much before 2025, but was a practice superstar who did everything fundamentally correct while also being disruptive. He just didn't have much of a chance to prove he could do that during real games.
Until this season. After taking over for second-year pro Tyrice Knight, Thomas was an underrated star. He was great in coverage, allowing a quarterback rating of just 74.6 while intercepting a pass and not giving up a touchdown. He had 18 quarterback pressures and 30 run stuffs. The only issue he needs to work on is tackling better, as he whiffed on 17.1 percent of his tackle attempts.
Most of those came in the early weeks of the season, however. He didn't miss any in Week 18 and the Divisional Round of the playoffs, both victories against the San Francisco 49ers.
With inside linebacker set, the Seattle Seahawks can next focus on the two areas of concern for the defense this offseason. Seattle could lose cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe in free agency, as well as safety Coby Bryant. The defensive backfield would need to be revamped.
Schneider will also need to address his edge rusher group. Boye Mafe could leave in free agency, too, while DeMarcus Lawrence could retire. Maybe the Seahawks even make a play for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
Whatever happens, Seattle has made the future better by bringing back Drake Thomas. He will be a thorn in the side of many future opponents.