Mike Macdonald instantly put his fingerprints all over the Seattle Seahawks upon being named their head coach in January 2024. Among the changes he made was scaling back the reliance on linebacker Boye Mafe, who's notably slated for unrestricted free agency this coming offseason.
Mafe has seen his defensive snap share rate dip from 72 percent in 2023 (before Macdonald) to 60 percent and 53 percent in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Slowly but surely, we're seeing him getting phased out of the Seahawks' plans, both short- and long-term.
The writing is on the wall for Mafe as he plays out the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. It's become increasingly clear that the 2022 second-round pick's time in Seattle might be running out.
Seahawks' Boye Mafe is running out of time to prove himself in Seattle
Rival clubs have also ostensibly recognized that Mafe is falling out of favor with the Seahawks. Teams reportedly inquired about his availability ahead of the NFL's trade deadline, though nothing ultimately materialized.
Nevertheless, the fact that Mafe's name even came up in negotiations is telling; why entertain offers for someone who's part of your future? He seemingly hasn't done enough to impress Macdonald and the Seahawks regime that didn't draft him. Seattle's actions suggest his efforts, or lack thereof, have rendered him expendable.
Here's how Mafe ranks in the following categories out of 118 edge defenders with at least 100 pass rush snaps this season through Week 15 (in Week 16, Mafe had two total pressures, which were both hurries):
- 49th in pressure win rate (16.2 percent)
- Tied for 44th in total pressures (34)
- Tied for 16th in hurries (31)
- Tied for 79th in Pass Rushing Productivity score (7.7)
By some metrics, Mafe has been a below-average-to-middle contributor. By others, he's a legitimate difference-maker. As with most things in life, the truth lies somewhere in the middle, though his age and proven upside may appeal to prospective suitors.
Having just turned 27 in November, Mafe's pedigree and explosive athleticism are worthy of taking a chance on. He's flashed the ability to get to the quarterback at a high level, a skill every franchise covets. The former Minnesota standout amassed 18 sacks across 48 games (30 starts) in his first three campaigns as a pro.