3 Seahawks that could be auditioning for new teams next season

As the Seattle Seahawks continue their journey through the NFL offseason, it's always fun to speculate on next season; who will have their breakout year, and who will take a step back, or who will make their first Pro Bowl or All-Pro, or which rookie will be Seattle's best draft pick, and so on and so on, the categories go. 

Of course, there are no bigger questions for the Seahawks than with Sam Darnold, a new offensive coordinator, and whether the defending Super Bowl champions can, well, defend and then repeat. Additionally, some new faces are looking to make a splash in a defense season, as well as others who might be in their last days with the Seahawks.

For a handful of Seahawks, next season is shaping up to be either their final campaign with the team or, at the very least, a prove-it season to see whether they'll return in the 2027-28 season or be looking for new teams. At least three current Seahawks players will be in this boat in the upcoming season, and two of them have played significant roles in Seattle for a few years already.

These 3 Seattle Seahawks could be playing for their next big contract in 2026

Zach Charbonnet, RB

Had he not torn his ACL in last season's playoffs, the Seahawks would have likely hopped on Zach Charbonnet's back as their starting rusher next season, stepping into the shoes left by Kenneth Walker III. Unfortunately for Charbonnet, that opportunity was squashed by his injury, and he will likely enter the fold next season as Jadarian Price's backup. 

How Price plays may very well determine Charbonnet's future in Seattle; it's also a contract year for him. Not to mention, depth rusher George Holani could be looking to steal the No. 2 rushing job. When Charbonnet returns, his best course of action is to play like a new team is waiting for him on the other side, because the long-haul starter's role with the Seahawks might belong to Price in no time. 

Cooper Kupp, WR

Of all the current Seahawks on the roster today, Kupp is the likeliest to be leaving after next season. The emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed's new three-year deal is a factor, of course, but given that Kupp will be 33 next month, it's unlikely the Seahawks will keep him around when next summer hits and he’s 34.

Kupp isn't washed, but he is on the other side of the hill, so another team will undoubtedly take on the experienced and accomplished veteran for next season. It just doesn't make sense for that team to be the Seahawks. Whatever Kupp produces in the 2026-27 season could be an audition for his next squad. Everyone can use a two-time Super Bowl-winning wide receiver, even if he's up there in years. 

Dante Fowler, Edge

What a follow-up move: signing DeMarcus Lawrence last offseason to signing Dante Fowler this offseason. The Seahawks hit a home run with Lawrence, and hopefully, Fowler is another knock out of the park. Fowler isn't as good as Lawrence, but his wealth of experience over a decade of football is what the Seahawks need.

Fowler's one-year deal likely means exactly that; it's just a one-year stop for him, but what he gives the Seahawks in that time could determine where he goes next year.

This might be Fowler's best defensive fit in years, and with the type of defense the Seahawks run out on the field, Fowler is the perfect situational piece. That said, perhaps a solid year leads to more in Seattle; either way, he's on a prove-it contract, so he'll have to do just that. 

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