Analysis: Could Seahawks Make a Run at Trading for Giants Star Dexter Lawrence?
During the heat of the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, with six picks until the team’s No. 21 overall selection, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider, then-coach Pete Carroll, and every other staff member in attendance in the war room sat on pins and needles.
As if often the case during draft weekend, Schneider and company found themselves sweating things out with a coveted prospect still on the board in Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who they hoped would fall to them to become the cornerstone of a rebuilt ‘Hawks defensive line. In several instances, including with receiver Jaxon Smith-Nijgba under similar circumstances in 2023, the franchise has lucked out with the desired prospect remaining available once they were on the clock.
But on this April day in 2023, good fortune would not be on Seattle’s side. The New York Giants prevented Schneider from landing his top target, selecting Lawrence 17th overall to abruptly end the dream. Two picks later, Denver selected Iowa tight end Noah Fant, another player that Schneider had a high grade on who would have been in play with pick No. 21.
Eight years later, just as Schneider previously did acquiring Fant as part of the blockbuster Russell Wilson deal with the Broncos in 2022, the Seahawks may now have a chance to rectify that ill-fated turn of events. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Lawrence has requested a trade from the Giants and will not report to the team’s offseason program after multiple years of failed attempts to negotiate a new contract.
Three-Year Outlook: Seahawks Face a Few Pressing Questions on Defense Beyond 2026
As the calendar flips to April and the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in the heat of the offseason, continuing to look into ways to improve their roster scanning the free agent market along with wrapping up draft evaluations while also exploring extensions to retain several of their top players.
While building the best roster for the upcoming season remains the top goal with eyes on defending their Super Bowl title, Seahawks general manager John Schneider also has to be cognizant of the future, making every decision in regard to free agency, extensions, and the draft with a multi-year window in mind.
Now less than a month away from the draft, how does Seattle’s defense look for both the present and the future?
‘Battle Tested’ Seahawks Suffocate Patriots, Cement Place as All-Time Great Defense in Super Bowl Win
Approaching kickoff for Super Bowl LX, there wasn’t cloud in the sky as temperatures hovered around the low 70s, presenting idealistic conditions for the ultimate event in sports.
But then, the Seattle Seahawks’ “Darkside” defense took the field, bringing with them a violent storm that the New England Patriots simply weren’t prepared for and couldn’t weather.
It started with a flash in the form of a Derick Hall sack on the opening series, forcing a punt, followed by thunder as Devon Witherspoon came in unabated to hit Drake Maye and coax an ugly throwaway downfield, again forcing a punt. Lightning struck on the next possession as the cornerback got home this time with teammate Nick Emmanwori also collapsing the pocket, corralling the quarterback after shooting the B-gap untouched for a 10-yard sack that led to a third consecutive punt.
Analysis: 7 Burning Questions to Determine if Seahawks Will Win or Lose Super Bowl LX
After nearly two weeks of relentless coverage and chatter that has left fans on both sides experiencing a bad case of cabin fever, the Seattle Seahawks will finally hit the field with a chance to avenge a previous Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots as the two teams meet at Levis Stadium in Sunday’s big game.
With both teams boasting top-three scoring offenses and physical, well-coached defenses, Sunday has all of the ingredients for a back-and-forth brawl on the biggest stage in professional sports. To earn their second Lombardi, the Seahawks will have to hope for the right answers to seven burning questions.
Five Distinct Advantages the Seahawks Have in Super Bowl LX
The Seahawks have one more game remaining, the much-awaited rematch against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. Nothing is certain until the downs are played, but what are the Hawks’ key advantages going into the Big Game?
Keys to Victory: How Seahawks Can Punch Ticket to Super Bowl LX
Playing in the final four for the first time in 11 years, the Seahawks hope to keep a storybook season going with a grudge match against the Rams on tap in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game. What must Mike Macdonald’s squad do to advance to Super Bowl LX?
Marquee Matchups to Watch as Seahawks, Rams Duel in NFC Championship Game
Familiar foes will tangle once again at Lumen Field as the Seahawks and Rams vie for a Super Bowl berth. Which matchups hold the weight in a massive NFC West rubber match?
Ranking Top 10 Moves Made by John Schneider to Fuel Seahawks Return to Title Contention
Through free agency, trades, the draft, and other bold moves, John Schneider rebuilt the Seahawks into a Super Bowl contender for the second time in his illustrious career, making him a slam dunk choice for Executive of the Year. Which moves stand out as his best?
‘Job is Not Done’: Seahawks’ Vets Preaching Same Approach for Youthful Squad Entering Playoffs
One of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Seahawks’ youth could be viewed as a potential concern going into a win or go home Divisional Round rematch against the 49ers. But a strong core of veterans doesn’t envision that being a problem at an energized Lumen Field.
AP All-Pro Voters Underestimate Power of Seahawks’ ‘Darkside’ Defense
Even after clinching the top seed in the NFC behind the No. 1 scoring defense, the Seahawks didn’t have a single defensive player earn a First-Team All-Pro nod, an omission that shows the team may still be hovering under the radar.
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Tangle With Panthers in Battle of First Place Squads
Seeking division championships with two weeks remaining on the schedule, the Seahawks and Panthers’ hopes on Sunday could rest on which offensive line can fend off ferocious defensive fronts the best. Which matchups will dictate who earns a massive Week 17 win?
‘They’ve Got Good Thing Going’: Seahawks Gearing Up For Much Improved Panthers’ Offense
The Panthers have been far from an offensive juggernaut this season, at least on paper. But the Seahawks will have their hands full against a rapidly improving young quarterback in a road tilt choked full of playoff implications.
Report Card: Top Performers in Seahawks’ Thrilling 38-37 OT Win vs. Rams
Erasing a 16-point deficit to force overtime and eventually win on a gusty two-point conversion call, the Seahawks had no shortage of stars who shined in one of the biggest regular season wins in franchise history. Who stood out under the lights in a TNF classic against the Rams?
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Pull Off Comeback, Stun Rams 38-37 in Overtime
For nearly 50 minutes, the Seahawks looked dead in the water, trailing by 16 with the offense floundering under the lights. But a special teams touchdown and Sam Darnold’s resiliency ignited an improbable comeback to vault into first place in the NFC West.
Report Card: Top Performers in Seahawks’ 18-16 Nail Biting Win vs. Colts
Though the offense was M.I.A. for most of the afternoon, the Seahawks made just enough plays down the stretch to reward their defense for another outstanding performance with a hard-fought win over the Colts. Who stood brightest in victory in Week 15?
Seahawks’ Defense Is Super Bowl–Caliber, Can the Offense Keep Up?
The Seattle Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the NFL, setting the team up for a potential Super Bowl run. But is the offense good enough bring the team to the promised land?
There’s No Debate: Seahawks GM John Schneider Should Be 2025 NFL Executive of the Year
The architect of a Super Bowl winner and double-digit playoff teams, John Schneider has done his best work yet calling the shots on his own with the Seahawks in 2025. It’s well past time for him to finally receive his due as the best of the best.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Byron Murphy Lead Seahawks in Early Pro Bowl Voting
Two of Seattle’s most decorated young talents stand atop the leaderboards at their respective positions in Pro Bowl voting.
‘Blur of a Human’: Ageless Demarcus Lawrence Continues to Wow Seahawks’ Teammates, Coaches
Playing arguably his best football in the midst of his 12th season, Demarcus Lawrence has elevated the Seahawks’ defense to another level while oddly enough becoming an unexpected scoring source.
Halftime Observations: Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba Key Seahawks 16-3 Lead vs. Titans
While three separate drives stalled out for field goals, the Seahawks overcame an early deficit behind the latest theatrics from Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba to build a commanding halftime lead in Nashville.