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?
Analysis: Is Seahawks’ Backfield Situation Post-Ken Walker III’s Exit Better Than Perceived?
As expected to happen for a defending Super Bowl champion, the Seattle Seahawks have lost several key players from their championship squad to open the free agency period this week with other teams eager to add talent in a league built around the premise of parity.
Arguably the most notable departure for Seattle, Super Bowl LX MVP Ken Walker III received a record-setting free agent deal for a running back, signing the dotted line to join the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year deal worth up to $45 million with nearly $30 million in guaranteed salary. This loss would have stung for the Seahawks no matter what, but the potential negative impact of the four-year starter’s exit was further exacerbated by Zach Charbonnet suffering a torn ACL during the team’s playoff run and not undergoing surgery until late February, likely sidelining him until at least October, if not longer.
In the aftermath of Walker bolting, which happened mere minutes into the NFL’s tampering period on Monday, the Seahawks were linked to the likes of Tyler Allgeier, Kenneth Gainwell, and Rico Dowdle, only for those three players to quickly sign elsewhere as the free agent running back crop rapidly got picked down before the new league year officially began. Other veterans such as Rachaad White remained available, but wound up signing with other teams as well, much to the frustration of fans wondering when the team would make move to try to bolster the backfield.
Seahawks’ Odds of Re-signing Ken Walker III Dwindle Following Breece Hall Franchise Tag
The legal tampering period leading up to the start of a new NFL league year remains six days away, but the chances of Ken Walker III returning to the Seattle Seahawks took a significant hit on Tuesday thanks to an expected move made by the New York Jets with their own star running back.
According to Connor Hughes of SNYTV, the Jets have placed the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall, eliminating the possibility of the former second round pick hitting the market when free agency opens on March 11. Under the terms of the fully-guaranteed tender, he would earn $14.23 million in 2026, which would be the fifth-highest cap number among backs next season.
Continuing to negotiate during last week’s NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, New York tried to hammer out a long-term deal with Hall to avoid having to use the exclusive tag, but the two sides weren’t able to reach an agreement. The organization considered using the transition tag, which would have been a bit cheaper at $11.32 million, but other teams were expected to make a run at him offering more money with the risk of losing the standout runner without compensation in return, leading to the choice to franchise tag him instead.
Analysis: How Does Zach Charbonnet Injury Impact Seahawks’ Offseason Game Plan?
Winning the Super Bowl in the NFL requires a talented roster and strong coaching. But teams that make it all the way to the mountaintop also need good fortune, particularly when it comes to injuries.
Capturing the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in franchise history earlier this month, the Seattle Seahawks checked off all three of those boxes. General manager John Schneider assembled the deepest, most talented roster in the league with coach Mike Macdonald and a fantastic staff maximizing on that talent, and health-wise, the team suffered far fewer significant injuries than other playoff teams.
With that said, the Seahawks didn’t escape the season without a substantial injury happening in the playoffs as they orchestrated their run to the Super Bowl, as standout running back Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in a 41-6 Divisional Round beatdown of the 49ers. There’s never a good time for such an injury to occur, but in the case of Charbonnet, blowing out his knee so late in the season creates a conundrum that the organization will have to navigate heading into free agency and the upcoming NFL draft.
X-Factors to Watch as Seahawks Seek Lombardi Trophy vs. Patriots in Super Bowl LX
While all eyes will be on Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Leonard Williams, and other stars for the Seahawks, history suggests an unsung hero or two will rise to the moment in Super Bowl LX. Which ‘Hawks have the best chance to be X-Factors against the Patriots?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is Headliner of Seahawks’ Passing Attack, Not the Whole Act
Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards despite playing in an offense that ranked middle of the pack in pass attempts in 2025. But that doesn’t mean this offense is a one-trick pony going into 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?
‘He’s an Option’: Seahawks Designate George Holani for Return Ahead of NFC Championship Game
Losing Zach Charbonnet was a significant blow for the Seahawks heading towards the NFC Championship Game. But the offense has a quality reinforcement on the mend ready to help pick up the slack with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.
Analysis: How Will Seahawks Replace Zach Charbonnet Heading Into NFC Championship Game?
The Seahawks will have to continue their run pursuing a Super Bowl without their top touchdown scorer. What options does Seattle have to fill the void without Zach Charbonnet?
‘Breaks Your Heart’: Seahawks Lose Zach Charbonnet to Season-Ending ACL Tear
Suffering a major blow in the backfield heading into the NFC Championship Game, the Seahawks won’t have Zach Charbonnet for the rest of the season, creating short and long-term questions for the franchise.
Seahawks Designate Elijah Arroyo for Return Off Injured Reserve
Aided by a week off as the NFC’s top seed, the Seahawks hope to have another athletic pass catching option back available for Sam Darnold as they begin preparation for the Divisional Round.
Quandre Diggs, Myles Gaskin Set to Make Seahawks Debuts vs. Vikings
Sporting 90s throwbacks as if he never left, Quandre Diggs will be back in a Seahawks uniform for Sunday’s home battle against the Vikings, while another familiar local star may have a shot to make his team debut after quite the backfield shuffle.
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Take on Titans in Nashville
Entering Sunday’s road tilt as heavy favorites against the one-win Titans, the Seahawks should have several advantageous matchups working in their favor, though the underdogs may have a big one to lean on with the visitors dealing with offensive line injuries.
Answer to Seahawks Giving Ken Walker ‘More Opportunities’ Lies Beyond Run Game
The Seahawks likely won’t shift towards Ken Walker III resuming “bell cow” status out of the backfield. However, there’s a clear and obvious way for the team to get him more touches that will have a domino effect on rest of the offense moving forward.
‘It Takes Everybody’: Competition-Driven Culture Back For Seahawks Under Mike Macdonald
Evident again on Sunday with multiple reserves contributing in a 22-point beatdown of the Cardinals, from the starting quarterback to the latest practice squad signing, the Seahawks continue to embody the principles of their coach as they emerge as a top contender.
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Capitalize on Fast Start, Coast to 44-22 Win vs. Cardinals
While sloppy play allowed the Cardinals to close the gap a bit in the second half, an offensive and defensive scoring implosion by the Seahawks in the first two quarters provided an insurmountable lead as they raced to a fourth straight win to stay atop the NFC West in blowout fashion.
Halftime Observations: Seahawks Celebrate Fumble Palooza, Build 38-7 Lead vs. Cardinals
Making history with two defensive touchdowns while Sam Darnold and the offense kept humming, the Seahawks boat raced the Cardinals from the opening kick to build a 31-point halftime lead in front of a raucous Lumen Field crowd.
WATCH: 4 Keys to Victory For Seahawks vs. Saints in Week 3
Seahawks reporter Corbin Smith dishes out his weekly keys to victory for Seattle, including slowing down No. 41 out of the backfield and staying aggressive offensively in the red zone.
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Duel Saints in Week 3
While both teams enter Week 3 battling injuries at key position groups that could dictate who wins Sunday, slowing down the Saints’ still elusive, dynamic running back stands atop the goals for the Seahawks.
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Outlast Steelers 31-17 in Battle of Football Follies
Amid a comedy of errors orchestrated by both teams, the Seahawks ultimately got the last laugh with a rare touchdown scored on kick coverage, fueling a 31-17 comeback victory over the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
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