Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald likes his defensive backs to be versatile. Instead of being a pure outside corner, the brilliant defensive-minded coach prefers players such as Nick Emmanwori, who can play safety, corner, and maybe even edge rusher. The list of versatile players might also include free agent signee Noah Igbinoghene.
The first-round 2020 pick out of Auburn hasn't yet shown he was worthy of that high a selection. Seattle will be his fourth team, and he hasn't been trusted with being a full-time starter at any stop. He did get 10 in 2024 with the Washington Commanders, but that was more due to injuries to other players.
In his six seasons, he has just one interception, has allowed a quarterback rating of 96.3, and given up nine touchdowns. That last fact comes with a caveat, however. Six of the TDs came in his first three years. Last season, he didn't allow a single one.
Noah Igbinoghene might be the next hidden gem found by the Seattle Seahawks
So what would make his time with the Seahawks better? Igbinoghene has traits that Macdonald might be able to put to use in his scheme, whereas other systems the cornerback has played in haven't been great fits. For sure, he won't be expected to be a starter, but he could be a valuable member of the cornerback rotation.
He's a solid tackler for his size (he's 5'11" and 200 pounds), and has flashed an ability to be stout against the run. While he hasn't been used often to try to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, he's also shown an ability to do that.
This means that Macdonald could use Igbinoghene in various alignments, thereby disguising the overall alignment. This is a key to Macdonald's success, as his defense has the ability to adapt and adjust quickly due to the positional flexibility of the specific players.
Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori, for instance, can switch spots presnap to post-snap, confusing the quarterback and forcing mistakes. Rookie Bud Clark, who is a safety with attributes of a good cornerback, is likely in the same mold.
Having starters, or players who are expected to get lots of reps, who can be flexible in alignments, is great, but the Seattle Seahawks wouldn't want the defense to become far more predictable if Witherspoon, Emmanwori, and Clark are forced to miss games with injury. Noah Igbinoghene gives Mike Macdonald yet another player to help confused opposing offenses.
That's what makes Igbinoghene a real threat to make the best impact of his professional career in 2026. He might finally be in a system that uses his skill set the best. Mike Macdonald will be sure of it.
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