Which Dark Horses Could Emerge on Seahawks’ 53-Man Roster After Preseason Finale at Chiefs?
Every year, the Seattle Seahawks seem to have a player or two make the final 53-man roster who wasn't expected to stick around, including center Jalen Sundell and tight end Nick Kallerup in the past two years.
With one exhibition game remaining in Kansas City on Friday, Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith identifies six dark horses who could become this year's Sundell or Kallerup with a strong performance versus the Chiefs and/or certain dominos falling on final cutdown day.
Where Do Jacardia Wright, Bubble Players Stand as Seahawks Approach 53-Man Cutdown?
On the heels of a 19-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans in their second preseason game, the Seattle Seahawks have one dress rehearsal left in Kansas City before final cutdown day, putting a ton of pressure on several players aiming to make the 53-man roster.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith examines the cases of 12 different 'Hawks, including a pair of running backs and receivers still entrenched in a tight competition, for making the team and where things stand with one more preseason game left to play at Arrowhead Stadium.
Stock Watch: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not After Seahawks’ 19-16 Preseason Loss to Titans
Winning remains the goal for an NFL team any time they take the field, even in the preseason where games don’t count in the standings, for coach Mike Macdonald, there were plenty of positives coming out of the Seattle Seahawks 19-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
“I really do feel like our team got better this week from the work that we got in practice, and I thought we did a lot of great things, especially earlier in this game, which is what we're looking for,” Macdonald said post-game. “I think we took a step. I think we're improving. I think the important thing for our team is that we have to shed an expectation about where we need to be right now. I think the focus needs to be about how fast can we improve on a daily basis, and our guys have had that attitude. So through that lens, I think it was a successful week.”
Looking back at Saturday’s defeat in the Music City, which players improved their stock the most? And which ones didn’t seize their latest opportunity as cut down day and the regular season rapidly approach?
Grand Ole Audition: Seahawks to Watch in Second Preseason Game at Titans
While starters won't play once again for the Seattle Seahawks in their second exhibition tuneup, Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans still carries plenty of weight for several players sitting on the roster bubble.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith breaks down which players he will be watching most closely in Nashville, including a pair of backup running backs set to see a heavy workload, a handful of EDGE defenders who need to pick up their play after underwhelming preseason debuts, and the duo of Montorie Foster Jr. and Cody White being under the microscope after Jake Bobo's season-ending knee injury.
Ranking Seahawks: Bobby Hart, AJ Finley Among Seasoned Vets Seeking Roster Spot in No. 80-76
With the calendar quickly heading towards July and offseason workouts wrapped up league-wide for the summer, the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will soon descend upon the Virginia Mason Athletic Center for the start of training camp, kicking off a much-anticipated 2026 season.
To celebrate the new incoming season, I will be ranking every member of the Seahawks 90-man roster over the next several weeks leading up to report day, providing detailed profiles, exploring best and worst case scenarios, and breaking down what to expect from each player entering the 2026 campaign.
Moving to No. 80-76 on my rankings, a pair of established veterans will be vying for reserve spots on the offensive line and in a crowded secondary, while an intriguing pass rusher with NFL DNA will look to surprise.
Takeaways From Day 2 of Seahawks’ 2026 Rookie Minicamp
Wrapping up Phase 1 of their offseason program, the Seattle Seahawks conducted the second of two rookie minicamp sessions at the VMAC on Saturday, providing another opportunity for Mike Macdonald and the coaching staff to take a close look at their new incoming draft class, signed undrafted free agents, and a host of tryout players.
As is always the case this time of year with more than half of the participants not being under contract and trying to earn a contract with an NFL team, the vast majority of those who wore helmets over the past two days won’t be back with the Seahawks. But as Macdonald pointed out moments after the practice wrapped up, that doesn’t always mark the end of the journey either, as those who put their best foot forward could be on speed dial when injuries and/or personnel changes on the 90-man roster strike in coming weeks and months.
“Definitely. Everyone's on a different timeline,” Macdonald remarked. “I think they understand that, and that's part of the messaging too. We've had several guys that have come back in camp or even after camp or after the season. We've had a couple of examples of that too. Jalan Gaines is a guy that comes to mind that's with us now after not being with us at the end of the season. Just keep plugging away, trying your best. Don't worry about the count or timing or all that, but trust the process.”
Analysis: Which Seahawks’ Future/Reserve Signings Could Break Out in 2026?
Ushering in a new offseason on the heels of their Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks agreed to terms with 15 practice squad players on future/reserve deals, ensuring they would be on the 90-man roster once the new league year opens on March 11.
While these moves may not seem significant with the majority of the players signed by Seattle on Thursday offering minimal NFL regular season experience. But just this past season, third year safety Ty Okada went from being a future/reserve signing in January to emerging as a key starter with starters Julian Love and Coby Bryant battling injuries, recording 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and five pass breakups while starting a total of 11 games in coach Mike Macdonald’s secondary.
Looking at Seattle’s latest crop of future/reserve signings, which players have the best shot to become the 2026 version of Okada as an unexpected breakout player for the Seahawks?
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