While the Seattle Seahawks still have a ways to go this winter, they'll enter 2026 not as a team hoping to arrive, but as one that already has.
A 2025 campaign that has seen Seattle claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC has validated a vision years in the making, one shaped by general manager John Schneider’s disciplined roster construction and fully unlocked by head coach Mike Macdonald.
It's a roster built with intention -- fast, physical, versatile, and deep -- and it shows on both sides of the ball. Unlike previous eras, Seattle is no longer leaning on a narrow championship window; the Seahawks are built to contend now, and to stay there.
How are the Seattle Seahawks shaping up for future seasons?
Offense: Star Power with Structural Stability
Offensively, the centerpiece is one of the league’s elite on the outside. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has not only lived up to his first-round billing, but he has also rewritten Seattle's record books.
Since entering the league in 2023, the Ohio State product has shattered various single-season marks, and his ability to win from the slot, dominate on the perimeter, and consistently separate against man or zone coverage places him firmly among the premier wide receivers in football.
The foundation up front is equally strong.
Charles Cross, the ninth overall pick in 2022, has developed into one of the best left tackles in the game, and is someone whose consistency in pass pro and athleticism in space give Seattle freedom in how it structures its offense.
Next to him, rookie Gray Zabel has been nothing short of exceptional, allowing just two sacks in his rookie season. The 2025 first-round pick out of North Dakota State has already established himself as one of the better interior offensive linemen in the league, regardless of age.
At tight end, A.J. Barner continues to ascend. A fourth-round pick out of Michigan, Barner has flashed as both a blocker and a pass catcher, growing more consistent as the season has progressed. But don't forget about Elijah Arroyo, who remains an intriguing complementary piece despite suffering injuries that have limited his impact early on.
His athletic profile and ability to flex out suggest a larger role moving forward as Seattle continues to expand its personnel groupings.
Under center, Sam Darnold has emerged as a stabilizing presence. While not the flashiest name, Darnold’s veteran command, decision-making, and comfort within the system have made him a core piece for a team built to win right now.
And in the backfield, Seattle boasts one of the league’s more intriguing running back tandems. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet -- both second-round picks -- form a dynamic, physical pairing. The Seahawks usually ride the hot hand of the two, but both backs bring complementary skill sets and project as long-term contributors should they remain in town.
Defense: Mike Macdonald’s Vision Fully Realized
The Seahawks’ defense is where Mike Macdonald’s influence is most pronounced.
Drawing from his Baltimore roots, Macdonald has constructed a unit that is aggressive, versatile, and flat-out punishing. Up front, Byron Murphy II anchors the interior. The 2024 first-round pick out of Texas is physically overpowering, consistently demanding double teams while continuing to refine his pass-rush arsenal. His presence alters protection schemes and creates opportunities for others.
On the edge, Derick Hall provides rotational juice as a second-round pick out of Auburn -- although they want more, while Boye Mafe -- an impending free agent -- has been a productive contributor since entering the league in 2022. Mafe’s future remains a question, but his role in helping establish the identity of the front can't be overstated.
Then there's the secondary group headlined by Devon Witherspoon, a youth-infused positional group bursting at the seams with talent. Witherspoon is already one of the best young corners in football, as the former Illinois standout plays with rare intensity and intelligence, bringing physicality to the perimeter while excelling in run support and contested situations.
Nick Emmanwori fits perfectly into Macdonald’s vision, also. He's often deployed as a nickel, safety, and hybrid defender, mirroring the Kyle Hamilton archetype Macdonald once utilized in Baltimore. His athleticism, range, and ability to erase tight ends at 6-foot-3 over 215 pounds give Seattle unmatched flexibility on the back end, and his ceiling is an All-Pro type of level.
Coby Bryant remains part of the core, while Josh Jobe has emerged as a reliable contributor, earning snaps and outplaying expectations. Riq Woolen’s future in Seattle is uncertain despite a blazing start to his career back in 2022, but his development and production since being drafted have helped lay the groundwork for the secondary’s current depth and competitiveness.
In the middle of the defense, Tyrese Knight continues to rise. A fourth-round pick out of UTEP in 2024, Knight has developed into a tackling funnel with the ability to carry tight ends over the middle of the field. His growth has solidified the linebacker position and further underscores how well Seattle has mined value outside the early rounds.
Built for the Present -- and the Future
As Seattle heads into 2026, the picture is clear. It's a roster stacked with elite talent, layered with depth, and unified by a clear philosophical vision. With foundational stars on offense and a defense molded in Macdonald’s image, the Seahawks aren't chasing relevance; they are positioned to set the standard.