Pre-OTAs Projection: Which Defensive Players Will Make Seahawks’ 53-Man Roster in 2026?
Edging the Houston Texans for the NFL’s defensive scoring title, the Seattle Seahawks used a stingy, aggressive attack to stymie opponents throughout the 2025 season and put a bow on a magical year dominating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Now set to begin their title defense with OTAs kicking off next week, in news that won’t be so welcomed by the rest of the league, the Seahawks will have the vast majority of their starters from last year’s squad back in 2026. Though they lost cornerback Riq Woolen, safety Coby Bryant, and outside linebacker Boye Mafe this offseason, nine of the 11 players who logged at least 600 snaps in the regular season last year will return, and the team shrewdly attempted to replace those departed players in free agency and the draft.
With that said, coach Mike Macdonald and his staff have work to do at several positions finding the best personnel to offset the aforementioned departures, particularly in the secondary with noteworthy vacancies at cornerback and safety to address. And with four draft picks invested in the defensive backfield, the competition will be an intense one in Seattle vying for only a handful of spots on one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.
Rumbling into OTAs at the VMAC, which defensive players will survive cuts to make Seattle’s opening week roster?
Stock Watch: Examining Seahawks Post-Draft Winners, Losers
Now more than a week removed from the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks have gotten a first look at their newest draft class via rookie minicamp, and the offseason program will soon kick into full overdrive with Phase 2 opening next week.
At this point, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider haven’t gotten to see first-round pick Jadarian Price and the rest of the 2026 class on the field with returning veterans from their Super Bowl LX-winning squad. But that will soon change as on-field workouts ramp up to the next step and Organized Team Activities (OTAs) eventually open on May 26, providing the rookies with a chance to start gunning for starting jobs and roster spots.
With rookies soon to be thrown into the fire battling against seasoned veterans, which returning players and coaches stood out as the biggest winners coming out of the NFL Draft for the Seahawks? And who needs to keep a focused eye on their rearview mirror with objects being closer than they appear?
Analysis: Ranking Seahawks Biggest Remaining Needs After First Wave of Free Agency
The free agency period isn’t over in the NFL with plenty of players still seeking new homes, but only one week into the new league year, activity has slowed down substantially with most teams either bargain shopping or fully shifting attention to the looming 2026 NFL Draft.
Beginning the quest to defend their Super Bowl title, the Seattle Seahawks expectedly suffered a handful of big losses in the early stages of free agency, including three starters from that championship squad signing elsewhere. But general manager John Schneider fared quite well keeping the backbone of the team together, re-signing or tendering 13 of their 18 free agents, while adding four external free agents on one-year contracts to help fill the new voids to an extent.
Now entering the next stage of free agency as final preparations for the draft get underway, which positions stand out as the Seahawks’ biggest areas of need midway through the offseason?
Rapid Reaction: Sam Darnold, Seahawks Go Nuclear in Historic 38-14 Blowout Win Over Commanders
Scoring 31 points before halftime, the Seahawks’ offense set Northwest Stadium on proverbial fire behind a historic night from Sam Darnold, leading to an easy blowout primetime victory over the Commanders.
Halftime Observations: Seahawks Come Out Humming Post-Bye, Lead 31-7 in Washington
Spearheaded by an all-world performance by Sam Darnold, the Seahawks showed no rust coming out of their bye week, racing out to a 24-point lead on the road in prime time.
Seahawks Opt to Hold Out Devon Witherspoon vs. Steelers
While Devon Witherspoon could be seen sprinting on the field in pre-game warmups, he won’t be in uniform for the Seahawks as they try to get their first win of the 2025 season in Pittsburgh.
Week 1 Inactives: Seahawks Light at WR, EDGE for Opener vs. 49ers
The Seahawks will enter their season opener lacking bodies at receiver and off the edge, which could lead to some interesting decisions from Mike Macdonald and his coaching staff to compensate against the 49ers.
Analysis: Breaking Down Seahawks’ Initial 53-Man Roster
The Seahawks have selected their initial 53-man roster with 27 offensive players, 23 defensive players, and three specialists, including a trio of undrafted rookies. Which positions look most regular season ready and where could more moves be on tap in coming days?
Seahawks 90-Man Rundown: Connor O'Toole Offers Athleticism to Excel on Defense, Special Teams
An outstanding athlete who remains relatively raw as a pass rusher after converting from receiver at Utah, Connor O’Toole hopes to put those tools to good use competing for reps on defense and special teams with the Seahawks.
‘Bunch of Talent’: Draft Analyst Lauds Seahawks For Latest UDFA Haul
Known for landing NFL-caliber undrafted rookies over the years, the Seahawks once again have several intriguing signees with the talent and versatility to push for roster spots come September.
Seahawks OTAs Preview: What to Watch From Uchenna Nwosu, EDGE Group
With all hands on deck, the Seahawks should have a formidable edge rush group in 2025. But questions remain about the health of a pair of veterans and finding additional depth may be crucial leading up to training camp this summer.
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