The new era of Seattle Seahawks football has officially begun, ushering in a wave of change on the field. Following a busy offseason filled with roster moves, the Seahawks are charting a new course for the future. The departure of long-standing veterans has left gaps in leadership and performance, but has also created opportunities for emerging talent to step up.
With head coach Mike Macdonald at the helm, fans are eager to see how this revamped Seahawks squad will shape up in a competitive NFC West.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes are on the players expected to fill the voids left by some of Seattle’s most reliable contributors. From retooling the offensive line to finding consistent playmakers on defense, the Seahawks roster is undergoing a much-needed transformation.
These Seahawks might explode in 2025 with more responsibility
New faces are being asked to rise to the challenge, and returning players must adapt to new roles and systems. The pressure is on to deliver, whether young draft picks or free-agent acquisitions. This season marks more than just a rebuild—it’s a test of depth and development and the start of what could be a defining new chapter in Seahawks history.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seattle Seahawks' decision to trade star wide receiver DK Metcalf marked a bold and defining move in the franchise's long-term vision. Metcalf had been a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ offense, but his departure signals a commitment to building around younger talent and reshaping the passing game.
With Metcalf gone, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is now firmly positioned as the team's No. 1 wide receiver. Coming off a strong sophomore campaign, JSN is expected to make a significant leap in production and leadership in the Seahawks' offense, which will look very different in 2025 under new quarterback Sam Darnold.
With no Metcalf to share targets, Smith-Njigba becomes the top option in Seattle’s passing attack. Darnold, who has taken over the starting quarterback duties, will likely rely heavily on JSN’s route-running precision and ability to create separation. A workload of 100+ targets and 80–90 receptions is well within reach, making a 1,000-yard, double-digit touchdown season a real possibility for the former first-round pick.
As the Seahawks transition into a new offensive identity, Smith-Njigba is not just expected to shine—he's being counted on to lead. Fantasy football managers and Seahawks fans should watch this rising star in 2025.
Ernest Jones IV
The Seattle Seahawks are hunting for their next Bobby Wagner, a franchise legend who defined the middle of their defense for over a decade. Filling Wagner’s shoes is no easy task, but the team may have already found his potential successor in Ernest Jones IV.
Acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans last season, Jones immediately impacted Seattle’s defense with his physical play, high football IQ, and vocal leadership. His late-season performance caught the coaching staff's attention, and his re-signing in the offseason shows the team’s belief in his ability to anchor the linebacker corps moving forward.
Now fully integrated into the Seahawks’ system and culture, Ernest Jones IV is poised to become the leader of Seattle’s defense—a unit that struggled with consistency and identity in recent years. Jones is expected to thrive in a discipline, aggression, and versatility scheme.
His return gives the Seahawks a reliable presence as a linebacker, and if he continues to develop, Jones could be the heart of a resurgent Seattle defense. The search for the next Bobby Wagner might already be over.
Zach Charbonnet
The Seattle Seahawks have long built their offensive identity around a dominant run game, and that philosophy remains true heading into the 2025 NFL season. Seattle's offense tends to sputter without a consistent and effective ground attack. Keeping Kenneth Walker III healthy and fresh will be critical for the Seahawks to maintain balance and offensive rhythm.
The best way to achieve that? A true backfield tandem. By splitting the workload between Walker and Zach Charbonnet, Seattle can preserve Walker’s explosiveness while unleashing Charbonnet’s physical style on opposing defenses.
Last season, when Walker missed time due to injury, Zach Charbonnet stepped up and showcased his value as a capable lead back. He proved he can carry the load, gain tough yards, and contribute in the passing game. Charbonnet's production is poised to spike dramatically if the Seahawks implement a more even split in touches between their top two backs.
Not only would this keep Walker fresh for late-season pushes, but it would also give Seattle one of the more dynamic one-two backfield punches in the NFL. For the Seahawks to reach their offensive ceiling, a balanced and sustainable running back committee led by Walker and Charbonnet will be key.
Devon Witherspoon
With a full season under his belt, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has a clearer vision of the roster and the players best suited for his system. After spending the past year evaluating talent and tweaking schemes, Macdonald is expected to take a more aggressive and strategic approach in 2025.
Known as a defensive mastermind, Macdonald will undoubtedly lean heavily on rising star cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon is primed for a more significant role in coverage and as a playmaker in multiple defensive looks.
As Witherspoon takes on increased responsibilities within the Seahawks’ defense, his production is expected to climb. Whether shadowing top receivers, blitzing off the edge, or anchoring nickel packages, Witherspoon’s versatility makes him a perfect fit for Macdonald’s creative defensive schemes.
With more snaps, more challenging assignments, and more chances to make game-changing plays, expect a jump in key defensive stats like tackles, pass deflections, and interceptions. If he thrives in this expanded role, Devon Witherspoon could become one of the NFL’s premier young cornerbacks and a cornerstone of Seattle’s defensive resurgence in 2025.
The massive shift in Seattle has officially taken hold, and with the sweeping changes across the roster, players are being tasked with greater responsibilities than ever before. As the Seahawks reshape their identity, these expanded roles test the team’s depth and resilience and open the door for individual players to elevate their game.
With more snaps, leadership duties, and opportunities to make impact plays, fans can expect a noticeable boost in production from key contributors, marking the beginning of a new era filled with challenges and exciting potential.