The Seattle Seahawks have some decisions to make. Outside of linebacker Ernest Jones IV, the team doesn't have many key players facing free agency this offseason. But next offseason, it's a completely different story.
Every single player from the 2022 draft class will be a free agent. Considered one of John Schneider's finest draft classes in Seattle, many of those selected in that draft will command a considerable contract next offseason. Although first-round picks have a built-in fifth-year option, every other draft pick from that class will be a free agent after next season.
Aside from the draft picks, there are some big contracts expiring as well. It will likely be an easier decision once the 2025 season plays out, but looking forward now, it doesn't look like it will be a fun off-season for John Schneider.
Which Seattle Seahawks players will be free agents in 2026?
One way to alleviate the sheer amount of free agents next offseason would be to extend them now, but that would set a dangerous precedent for a franchise that historically never offers extensions before contracts are up. So, who are these key players who are slated to become free agents after 2025?
WR DK Metcalf
In 2023, DK Metcalf agreed to a three-year, $72 million deal to stay in Seattle. Since then, Metcalf has been one of the most explosive wide receivers in the league. Since being drafted in 2019, Metcalf has never had a season below 900 receiving yards and five touchdowns. In fact, Metcalf joined Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss as the only two receivers in NFL history to start their careers with six straight 900+ yards, 5+ touchdowns seasons.
Metcalf, who will be 28 years old at this time next season, must be a priority for Seattle. The offense relies on Metcalf's physicality and home run threat as a 6'4" burner on the outside. Part of why Seattle's offense was so good between 2019 and 2023 was because Metcalf took up a lot of defense's attention from his fellow wide receivers, as defensive backs focused in on Metcalf, who could take the top off the defense.
While some fans don't much appreciate the occasional 15-yard penalty, Metcalf's physicality sets the tone for the offense and gets into the head of the defense. I can't imagine Seattle's offense without Metcalf. I sure hope we won't have to experience it in 2026.
CB Riq Woolen
The steal of the NFL Draft in 2022, Riq Woolen was a fifth-round pick but has played like a first-rounder. Not to pat myself on the back, but I was a Woolen fan while he was in college at UTSA, as the wide receiver turned cornerback was tall, long, and fast -- making him a perfect Seattle cornerback. When Seattle drafted him, I was ecstatic.
Woolen has outplayed all possible expectations of a fifth-round selection, as he has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league. One can't help but think of another tall, long, shutdown corner that played in Seattle when watching Woolen. While there will never be another Richard Sherman, Riq Woolen is about as close as you can get.
Like Metcalf, Woolen has also found himself on the wrong side of some angry tweets and podcasters as of late. But his production is undeniable, backed up back categorical stats and data. In terms of coverage, Woolen finished first in the NFL in average separation per target, with a sticky 1.4 yards of separation. Like Metcalf, Woolen should certainly be a priority to return to Seattle after next season.
OLB Boye Mafe
Another 2022 draft pick, Boye Mafe has been one of the fastest-rising stars on the Seahawks' defense. Mafe, a second-round pick, will be a free agent in 2026. Like the two aforementioned players before him, Mafe will be an important player to bring back after next season.
In 2024, Mafe recorded six sacks, 36 hurries, and 47 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). In his three seasons in Seattle, Mafe has tallied 18 sacks, two forced fumbles, nine pass breakups, and 14.5 stuffs. Mafe's presence on Seattle's defense has been a major factor in the unit's turnaround.
Losing Mafe would hurt. Guys like Derick Hall could possibly thrive without Mafe in the lineup, but that's not a risk Seattle should take. Especially if Mafe continues to grow, improve, and produce in 2025, he should be yet another priority for Seattle.
QB Geno Smith
Perhaps the most polarizing player in recent memory, quarterback Geno Smith is set to become a free agent in 2026. Since taking over as the starter in 2022, Smith has thrown for historic numbers, including setting the Seattle single-season passing record -- twice. However, interceptions in the red zone and various questionable decisions have turned many fans off of him.
The objective truth is Geno Smith has been a top-10 quarterback in the NFL over the past three seasons. Smith connects on odds-defying throws, converting the unlikeliest of passes. The insanity of Smith's accuracy is outlined in his third-best completion percentage over expected (CPOE) in the league, which measures the percentage of completed passes on the most difficult throws, considering factors such as degrees of separation, pressure faced, and air yards.
However, in 2026, Smith may be too expensive for what will be a 35-year-old quarterback with an expired contract. If Geno continues his tear into 2025, especially with fewer turnovers, it would be hard to argue with bringing Smith back for another season or two. But the reality is teams don't overpay for older quarterbacks, and 2025 may be Geno's last season in Seattle.
OT Charles Cross
Charles Cross, the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is technically going to be a free agent in 2026. However, since Cross was a first-round pick, Seattle has the choice to accept Cross's fifth-year option, which would simply add an additional year to his rookie contract. This would make him a free agent in 2027.
Cross, who's had a rollercoaster of a career in Seattle thus far, will probably be worth picking up his fifth-year option. He's had some ugly pass block reps and has looked subpar at times, but for the most part, he's a serviceable left tackle. Seattle isn't necessarily in a position to decline the option, as there is currently no real replacement at left tackle. But if 2025 and 2026 don't see a big jump in consistency from Cross, he could certainly walk in 2027.
OT Abraham Lucas
Opposite Charles Cross, Abraham Lucas serves as the Seahawks' starting right tackle. That is when he's on the field. The former third-round pick in 2022 does not have a built-in fifth-year option like Cross, but I do think Seattle will bring back Lucas on a one-year extension. Lucas is a very good tackle when he's on the field, but injuries have marred his young career so far.
Seattle hopes Lucas can stay healthy and play all season in 2025. If that happens, they should absolutely sign him to a long-term deal when his contract expires next off-season. However, if Lucas misses a good chunk of the season again, it may not be worth it to re-sign him in 2026. On the other hand, he'd likely be very cheap to retain with his injury history, so it'll be interesting to see what the Seahawks do next year.
RB Ken Walker III
The feature back since being drafted in 2022, Ken Walker III was a second-round pick out of Michigan State. Walker runs with a rare blend of speed, power, and vision. When healthy, Walker is among the best in the league in shaking off tackles and making something out of nothing.
Walker is another player whose future likely depends on his availability in 2025. Walker, who was largely an iron-man in terms of staying healthy both at Michigan State and his first couple years in Seattle, missed a good chunk of 2024 due to a plethora of injuries. In his absence, his backup, Zach Charbonnet, looked pretty good. This means that if 2025 is one in which Walker finds himself in street clothes on the sidelines too often, he may not return after next season.
Other 2026 free agents
Edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones' contract expires in 2026, but I think there's a chance he becomes a cap casualty this off-season. Similarly, wide receiver Tyler Lockett remains under contract until 2026, but the writing is on the wall for his imminent departure from the team this off-season. Speaking of cap casualties, tight end Noah Fant may not make it to his contract expiring in 2026.
Other members of the 2022 draft class whose contract expires after next season are Coby Bryant, Dareke Young, and Sam Howell. Out of the three, Bryant appears to be the likeliest to return to Seattle after 2025. Other free agents include Michael Dickson, Rayshawn Jenkins, George Fant, and Jake Bobo.