The Seattle Seahawks reverted to pre-2025 form in terms of the first week of 2026 free agency. In other words, the team didn't aggressively pursue other teams' free agents in hopes of finding hidden gems later. The biggest question that 12s might be asking, though, is whether the team is better in 2026 than in 2025.
The simple answer is no. Not yet anyway. No one can argue that Seattle is better after losing running back Kenneth Walker, edge rusher Boye Mafe, and cornerback Riq Woolen in free agency, while only adding backup safety Rodney Thomas and running back Emanuel Wilson in return. The Seahawks have lost far more than they have gained.
If general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald's team slips at all in a brutal NFC West, a third-place finish next season is likely. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams were difficult this past season, even while Seattle was at its best. Plus, the 49ers were a banged-up bunch who should be better simply because they must be healthier.
Seattle Seahawks look worse than 2025 through the first week of 2026 free agency
Will the playoffs still be a possibility for Seattle in 2026 as things currently stand? Sure, unless someone like DeMarcus Lawrence decides to retire. A good edge rush group would be a decimated one if that happens.
If the Seahawks were in nearly any other division, even with their free agent losses, they could contend for the division title. Not in the NFC West. The difference between best and third place is extremely narrow, and none of the top three are in the forgiving business for a team that is slightly diminished.
Another factor that might hurt Seattle is that while losing Walker is tough, fellow running back Zach Charbonnet might miss the first part of next season after tearing his ACL in the playoffs. Addressing the running back position in the NFL draft is likely a must, even after signing Emanuel Wilson.
Adding another edge rusher is a need, too. Those that remain in free agency do not seem transformative, and many of the expected top-end players at the position might be gone too by the time Seattle is slated to choose at No. 32.
The positive part is that Mike Macdonald has shown the ability to mold even players not previously high producers into quality pieces. Plus, who knows? Maybe the Seattle Seahawks add someone such as Jadeveon Clowney, who was quite good for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 and was terrific working with Macdonald with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.