The Seattle Seahawks are fresh off a Super Bowl title and appear to have what it takes to win it again. However, while we did just see a team repeat as Super Bowl champions, it's an incredibly hard thing to do. As of now, the Seahawks roster is largely in the same spot it was in when the season ended.
There are going to be more additions coming in the NFL Draft, and perhaps even as free agency continues, but for the most part, what you see on paper is what you can expect when the regular season begins in September.
Let's take a second, though, to dive into the projected starting defense, as there does appear to be a bit more work that needs to be done with that unit.
Seattle Seahawks projected starting defense as free agency fizzles out
Defensive line: Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, Jarran Reed
Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II each started all 17 games for the Seahawks in the regular season. Funnily enough, they both had seven sacks and 62 total tackles. The defensive line is really where much of the magic begins.
Seattle's ability to create consistent pressure is the straw that stirs this defensive drink, as it helps the defense in coverage and creates chaos for opposing offenses. Given how much of an emphasis this regime has put on the defensive line, it would be a shock if there wasn't some type of addition coming in the NFL Draft or perhaps even after that during the lesser waves of free agency.
Linebackers: DeMarcus Lawrence, Drake Thomas, Ernest Jones IV, Uchenna Nwosu
Like the defensive line, the same faces are present in the linebacker group. Ernest Jones IV was an All-Pro in 2025, and Drake Thomas racked up 96 total tackles. This duo combined for six interceptions, 15 passes defended, and 222 tackles in 2026.
DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu figure to both again be in the starting rotation in 2026. In 2025, they combined for 13 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 35 quarterback hits. What sticks out about the Seahawks pass-rushers is that, unlike some top-heavy teams, Seattle saw a plethora of different players get in on the action.
Four players had at least six sacks, and five had double-digit quarterback hits. Seeing as the team is primed to 'run it back,' we could see more of the same this upcoming season.
Secondary: Devon Witherspoon, Ty Okada, Julian Love, Josh Jobe, Nick Emmanwori
The two notable losses in the secondary were Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant. Woolen signed a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Bryant landed a contract with the Chicago Bears. However, Seattle did re-sign Josh Jobe on a multi-year deal, and largely, this secondary is going to be in a solid spot for 2025.
But Bryant and Woolen are notable losses, and while Woolen's time in Seattle did not necessarily end on a high note, he was and is still a good player. Ideally, Nick Emmanwori leaps forward in year two and continues this trajectory of being an elite, do-it-all defensive back.
This would ease a lot on the backend, but as you can see, there are a ton of familiar faces. The Wild Card here might just be Ty Okada, who started 11 of 17 games in 2025. He could step into a larger role. Lastly, it is widely expected that an extension for stud cornerback Devon Witherspoon could be on the way as well.
A day two defensive back selection in the 2026 NFL Draft might not be a bad idea.