The Seattle Seahawks lost four starting-caliber players via free agency this offseason. Then, general manager John Schneider proceeded to draft likely replacements for three of the four with his first three picks in the 2026 NFL draft. His roster already had three starting-level players at the one position he ignored in the draft – edge rusher.
That does not mean there will not be intense battles for roster positions this summer. There’s a pretty good chance that most of the starting spots are already set, but there will be significant battles for important depth pieces that could have a big impact on Seattle’s ability to repeat as champions.
Even some starting spots – right guard, running back, strong safety – could feature competition. Last year around this time, it was commonly assumed that Tyrice Knight would be starting alongside Ernest Jones IV at linebacker, but Drake Thomas seized the chance to claim a starting role.
Key battles to watch this offseason for the Seattle Seahawks
But it is the battles over depth spots that may have more lasting impact. Thomas was not a shoe-in to even make the roster in 2024. He secured his spot primarily via special teams before becoming a valuable starter the following year. The same is mostly true of cornerback Josh Jobe and center Jalen Sundell.
Here’s a brief look at three similar battles brewing this summer. The winners could end up playing major roles this year and beyond.
Cornerback depth
It would be easy to see this as a battle between a couple of young veterans and two Day-Three draft picks this year. We can expect Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe, and third-round pick Julian Neal to get the bulk of the work. I think third-year player Nehemiah Pritchett has established himself as a core special teamer with improving defensive play to the point where he is a safe bet for the roster as well.
That leaves at least two more spots for depth, and given the injuries that hit the secondary last season, these are key roles. Schneider signed veteran slot corner Noah Igbinoghene from Washington and retained practice-squader Shemar Jean-Charles. Then he spent a couple of late picks on Andre Fuller and Michael Dansby.
Will the Hawks opt for veteran experience or developmental youth? Or perhaps a combination. At this early stage, I think Igbinoghene – based on his slot zone skill – and Fuller – based on his length – have the inside tracks, but the contest is wide open.
Offensive line depth
There is some reason to believe that rookie Beau Stephens could push right guard Anthony Bradford for a starting spot. Even if he does, both are probably on the team. They join the four other starters well as Josh Jones, Olu Oluwatimi and Amari Kight as likely roster locks. That is a very deep line.
But I think there is one more spot to be had, and it may well come down to draft picks from the last two seasons. Christian Haynes has been a disappointment after being chosen in the third round in 2024. This could be his final chance to stick.
If he can show something at center, where he took some practice reps last season, that might give him the edge over Bryce Cabeldue, a converted college tackle who got a handful of snaps at guard last season.
This becomes more interesting if Stephens beats out Bradford over the summer. If that happens, Bradford becomes a possible cut, opening the door for Haynes or Cabeldue to become the primary backup at guard.
Wide receiver/kick returner
It would seem that five of the six likely spots are set, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp starting, Rashid Shaheed taking on a more versatile role as Swiss Army Knife, and Tory Horton working his way back from injury to pose a serious downfield threat. Jake Bobo is the heart and soul of the special teams.
That might leave veteran Cody White battling second-year player Ricky White III and rookie Emmanuel Henderson Jr for a final spot. If so, special teams will probably be the deciding factor.
What adds intrigue is the recent signing of two undrafted free agents following the rookie minicamp. Both Trayvon Rudolph and Rashad Rochelle were quality kickoff returners in college.
It is possible that Mike Macdonald and Brian Fleury would prefer to reduce the dependency on Shaheed to handle returns. He is as good as there is in the league, and I would expect him to remain involved, but if one of these UDFAs can dazzle this offseason, perhaps it will free up Shaheed to focus more on offense.
Injuries will certainly play a role in all of these contests, but for the most part, if any young player wants a spot on with the defending Super Bowl champs, he will have to earn it through strong and steady play throughout the entire summer.
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