On December 30, 2025, the Seattle Seahawks announced several roster moves that largely flew under the radar for most fans. The biggest news was that, as expected, Derick Hall’s one-game suspension for a questionable play against the Los Angeles Rams was lifted. Hall would be eligible to return for Seattle’s regular season finale against San Francisco.
The Seahawks also were dealing with the iffy health of super-sub offensive lineman Josh Jones. Consequently, they signed Amari Kight to the main roster as insurance. Those moves meant a couple of players had to be released. One of them was safety D’Anthony Bell.
Bell, who had come to Seattle in 2025 after three seasons in Cleveland, had made himself a core part of the Seahawks’ special teams unit. Two days before his release, he had played in his 14th game of the year, a win over playoff-bound Carolina.
D’Anthony Bell is looking for a greater role with the Seattle Seahawks in 2026
The Panthers apparently liked what they saw because they scooped him up. Therefore, Bell did get to play in just his second playoff game in January, 2026. Unfortunately, it was not for Seattle. When Carolina lost a close game to the Rams in the wild card round, D’Anthony Bell’s season was over.
Now, Bell is back in Seattle. General manager John Schneider signed him to a one-year deal similar to the one he played under last season. His teammates seem very happy to have him back.
Starting safety Julian Love was asked about Bell after practice on Monday. Love made the players’ position very clear.
“We love D-Bell. He’s real. He’s raw.”
Love said it was difficult to advance through the playoffs knowing that Bell was not with them. But it sounds like he was never too far away, keeping in touch by phone or text as Seattle advanced.
In his first season with Seattle, the undrafted free agent out of West Florida was up and down between the practice squad and the roster, but managed to appear in almost every Seahawks game.
In all, he played in 14 Seahawks games, taking 96 defensive snaps. The most came in a Week 12 win over Tennessee – a game in which several starters were absent, and the Seahawks' depth had to step up.
Hall’s primary duties in 2025 came on special teams. In his 14 games, he logged more than 250 snaps, fourth on the team behind Brady Russell, Mike Morris, and Nehemiah Pritchett.
Both Bell and Pritchett provided insurance last season but found it difficult to crack the Seahawks’ deep roster of quality defensive backs. With the departure of Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen this offseason, that might seem to open a door for players like Bell and Pritchett. But to make it onto the field as a Seahawks defensive back is no small task.
John Schneider loaded up on defensive backs this offseason. He drafted three corners and one safety. He signed veteran free agents at both positions as well. Bell will be competing against newcomers like rookie Biud Clark and veteran Rodney Thomas for snaps at safety and against another veteran, Noah Igbinoghene, for snaps in the slot.
But, according to Love, no one should count D-Bell out. “He’s a playmaker,” Love said. And he can do everything. On a team that values positional versatility, Bell’s ability to learn every position will serve him well.
With Emmanwori beginning training camp on the PUP list, Bell should get his chances to impress. Igbinoghene may be first in line to assume whatever slot duties Emmanwori would have this season. But the second-year phenom plays everywhere. Some of his responsibilities – especially those closer to the line of scrimmage – may turn out to be a good fit for a player with Bell’s size and toughness.
And of course, his special teams prowess remains a powerful asset. If he proves to be a reliable backup for the Seahawks' front-line defensive backs, his value to teams could once again win him a coveted roster spot.
The Seahawks have enormous talent throughout their defensive backfield. That is a hallmark of the way Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald have constructed their roster. Claiming a spot will not be easy. But D’Anthony Bell seems ready for the challenge.
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