Difficult decisions are part of the business in professional sports, and teams often face the challenge of parting ways with players who were once key contributors. Whether through trades or releases, these moves can sometimes leave behind mixed feelings and burned bridges. The Seattle Seahawks, like any other team, have had to make such tough choices as they continually reshape their roster to stay competitive.
While some players thrive in their new environments, others struggle to replicate their previous success. This has been the case for a handful of former Seahawks who, despite being vital pieces during their time in Seattle, have failed to make a significant impact with their new teams.
The transition to a fresh start hasn’t always been smooth, and their lack of production has raised questions about whether the Seahawks made the right call in letting them go.
These five Seattle Seahawks failed with their new teams this season
These instances serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where a change of scenery doesn’t always yield positive results. As the Seahawks continue their journey to build a winning roster, the performances of their former players offer a glimpse into the high-stakes decisions teams must navigate.
Russell Wilson
When the Seahawks made the bold decision to trade away franchise quarterback Russell Wilson a few seasons ago, it was a move that sparked plenty of debate. Many questioned the wisdom of parting ways with a player who had been the face of the team for nearly a decade. However, time has shown that the Seahawks have managed to find success post-trade, while Wilson’s career trajectory has taken a downward turn.
After his initial trade to the Denver Broncos, Wilson struggled to recapture his elite form. This past offseason, he was moved again, this time to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was paired with Justin Fields, a young quarterback still finding his footing. Wilson's lingering calf injury prevented him from starting the season, leaving Fields to take the reins. By the time Wilson returned, the Steelers had built momentum with Fields at the helm, raising questions about Wilson’s role on the team.
Though Wilson eventually helped guide the Steelers to a playoff berth, the team faltered down the stretch, losing their final four regular-season games. Their struggles carried into the postseason, where they were eliminated in the first round by division rival Baltimore Ravens. The disappointing end to the season further underscored Wilson’s decline and left many wondering if his best days are firmly behind him.
Jamal Adams
Improving a team often requires making tough decisions, and releasing a player is one of the hardest aspects of professional sports. For the Seattle Seahawks, the decision to release their oft-injured safety, Jamal Adams was driven by the need to clear cap space and invest in other areas of the roster. Though the move was difficult, it reflected the reality that availability is as crucial as talent in building a winning team.
After being released by the Seahawks, Adams found a new opportunity with the Tennessee Titans. However, his time there was short-lived as he struggled to regain his form and impact on the field. Lingering injuries and inconsistent play made it challenging for him to secure a stable role, leading the Titans to release him mid-season. For a player once heralded as a defensive standout, the decline has been both surprising and disheartening.
His release by two teams in one season highlights the unforgiving nature of the NFL, where even the most talented players can face an abrupt career downturn. As the safety continues to search for another opportunity, his journey serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face in maintaining their place in a league driven by performance and availability.
Drew Lock
The Seahawks are undergoing a significant revamp, highlighted by the hiring of new head coach Mike Macdonald. With this fresh direction, several changes were made to the roster, including the decision not to re-sign backup quarterback Drew Lock in the offseason. While Lock had been a reliable reserve for Seattle, the team opted to move forward without him as part of their broader retooling efforts.
Lock quickly found a new opportunity, signing with the New York Giants. Initially, it seemed like a straightforward role for him as the backup to Daniel Jones, offering a safety net for the Giants’ quarterback situation. However, when Jones suffered an injury midseason, Lock was surprisingly passed over. Instead, the Giants turned to other options, leaving Lock as the third man on the depth chart—a stark reminder of his diminished role.
This unexpected turn of events raises questions about Lock’s future in the NFL. For a quarterback once viewed as a potential starter, his inability to secure a more prominent position, even in a backup role, signals a challenging road ahead. As the Giants continue their season, Lock’s situation underscores the high stakes and shifting dynamics that define life in the league.
Quandre Diggs
Once a superstar safety and cornerstone of the Seattle Seahawks' defense, Quandre Diggs has experienced a noticeable decline in recent years. Known for his playmaking ability and leadership on the field, Diggs was a consistent force during his time in Seattle, earning respect as one of the league’s top safeties. However, after moving on from the Seahawks, his production has steadily dipped, leaving fans wondering if his best days are behind him.
This season with the Tennessee Titans, Diggs' struggles have been apparent. His ability to read plays and make critical stops, once his defining traits, has diminished. While he still possesses veteran savvy and occasional flashes of brilliance, the consistency needed to anchor a defense has been lacking. His tackling numbers and pass coverage statistics have taken a hit, further highlighting his diminished impact on the field.
As the season progressed, Diggs found himself unable to meet the high expectations set for him when he joined Tennessee. Whether it’s due to injuries, age, or adjusting to a new defensive scheme, his performance hasn’t lived up to the standard he once set in Seattle. The Titans will have to evaluate whether Diggs can still contribute meaningfully or if it’s time to explore other options for their secondary.
Quinton Jefferson
Once a key contributor on the defensive line, Quinton Jefferson has become something of a forgotten player in recent seasons. The defensive tackle, known for his versatility and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, has struggled to find stability this year. After beginning the season with the Cleveland Browns, Jefferson was released following a string of underwhelming performances and limited impact on their defense.
His journey didn’t end there, as he was picked up by the Buffalo Bills midseason in hopes of bolstering their defensive front. Unfortunately, Jefferson failed to make a significant impression in Bills as well. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and clog running lanes, which once made him a valuable asset, has not translated into consistent production. With reduced snaps and limited contributions, Jefferson’s role has been marginal at best.
Jefferson’s struggles to find a steady role this season highlight the harsh realities of the NFL, where even talented players can fall out of favor quickly. Once regarded as a reliable rotational piece, he now faces an uncertain future in the league. As teams look toward the offseason, Jefferson will need to prove that he can still be a difference-maker if he hopes to secure another opportunity.
Changes are a constant in the NFL, and teams like the Seahawks must make difficult decisions to stay competitive. Whether through trades, cuts, or free-agent signings, these moves are aimed at improving the roster and setting the team up for future success. While some former Seahawks players have thrived in their new environments, others have struggled to find their footing, unable to replicate the success they enjoyed in Seattle.
For those players, the transition has highlighted the challenges of adapting to new systems, teammates, and expectations. Their struggles serve as a reminder of the delicate balance required for success in professional football. As the Seahawks continue to rebuild and reshape their team, these examples underscore the importance of making the right moves, not just for the franchise’s benefit, but also for the players whose careers are impacted by these decisions.