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.
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks ‘Darkside’ Defense Handcuffs Patriots in 29-13 Super Bowl LX Victory
Orchestrating one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history, the Seattle Seahawks forced eight punts on their first nine defensive series, locking down the New England Patriots in historic fashion to secure a 29-13 victory and bring the second Lombardi Trophy to the Pacific Northwest.
Overcoming an uncharacteristically inaccurate performance from Sam Darnold, the Seahawks found more than enough offense behind AJ Barner’s 16-yard touchdown catch off a turnover, Ken Walker III’s 135 rushing yards, and five field goals from kicker Jason Myers. A suffocating defensive effort by coach Mike Macdonald’s squad bottled up and frazzled Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, with outside linebacker Derick Hall leading the charge sacking him twice and forcing a fumble that defensive tackle Byron Murphy II recovered in New England territory and Uchenna Nwosu returning an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to start the celebration.
Past Failures of ‘Battle-Tested’ Veterans Drives Seahawks to Historic Super Bowl Run
One of the youngest teams in the NFL, strong drafting has catapulted the Seahawks back into the Super Bowl. But if Mike Macdonald’s squad wins the Lombardi Trophy, it will be the adversity-tested veterans who have lived on the other side of the coin who lead them to the promised land.
Rising to Moment, Nick Emmanwori Delivers ‘Helluva Plays’ as Seahawks Clinch Super Bowl Berth
Throughout his rookie season, Nick Emmanwori has been a game changer for an already loaded Seahawks defense. But taking advice from a beloved teammate to heart, he elevated his game to another level under the brightest lights to lift his team to the Super Bowl.
Seahawks Secondary Recovers, Helps Send Seattle to the Super Bowl
The Seahawks secondary had some tough moments against the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s NFC Championship game. How did Seattle rebound and secure a trip to the Super Bowl?
Seahawks’ Path to Super Bowl Revolves Around Challenge of Slowing Potent Rams Offense
Uncharacteristically, the Seahawks got gashed by the Rams in Week 16, but the defense found its footing late to aid a 38-37 comeback victory. Set for a rematch with the Super Bowl on the line, what went wrong in that game and what lessons can Seattle use on Sunday?
Halftime Observations: Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks Sprint Out to 24-6 Lead vs. 49ers in Divisional Round
Going up seven behind Rashid Shaheed’s explosive speed less than 15 seconds into the game, the Seahawks raced out to a 17-point advantage over the 49ers as they draw closer to their first NFC Championship Game berth in a decade.
Report Card: Top Performers in Seahawks’ 27-10 Road Win Over Panthers
Turnovers and clutch plays fueled a second half surge that led the Seahawks past the Panthers in Charlotte, keeping Mike Macdonald’s squad atop the NFC standings. Who shined brightest in Seattle’s sixth straight win?
Closing Thoughts: Seahawks Ride Second Half Surge to 27-10 Win Over Panthers
Turnovers and subpar pass protection grounded Seattle’s offense for more than two quarters in Charlotte. But as they’ve done all season, the Seahawks leaned on their swarming defense to turn the tide in the second half to pick up their 13th win.
Third Down Mastery Helps Seahawks Tame Panthers, Puts Team on Brink of NFC’s Top Seed
Far from clicking on all cylinders, at least on offense, the Seahawks found yet another way to earn an NFL win on Sunday by dominating on money downs, maintaining their spot as the NFC’s top seed with a week to play.
Rapid Reaction: Run Game, Stifling Defense Leads Seahawks to 27-10 Win in Carolina
Playing physical, downhill football and leaning on a rising star tight end, the Seahawks turned the page on a sloppy first half to pull away from the Panthers in the second half, once again dominating on defense to get to win No. 13 and stay atop the NFC standings.
‘He’s on Cutting Edge of Everything’: Julian Love, Seahawks Racing Clock to Prepare For Sean McVay, Rams
Trying to prepare in lightning quick fashion for a Thursday game already presents major challenges, especially against an offensive mind such as Sean McVay. But a healthy Julian Love adds to a defense well-equipped to handle the opponent in a high-stakes situation.
With Julian Love Working Way Back, Ty Okada Playing ‘Incredible Football’ For Seahawks
Entering the final month of the season, the Seahawks hope to have a fully healthy Julian Love rolling into the playoffs. But the stellar play from his replacement over the past two months has created quite the luxury for the team as the Pro Bowler eases back into action.
Seahawks Set to Bolster Top-3 Defense For Final Stretch Run
Tied atop the NFC standings, the rich will get richer on defense with the Seahawks set to bring back two key veteran standouts for the final five games.
Seahawks Set to Reunite With Quandre Diggs, Re-Sign Veteran to Practice Squad
One of only a handful of multi-time Pro Bowl safeties in Seahawks history, “Nino” looks primed to come back to the Emerald City to provide much-needed insurance in the secondary for Mike Macdonald’s defense.
Seahawks Rule Out 5 Players For SNF Road Battle at Commanders
Headlined by Julian Love’s prolonged absence, early half a dozen players were ruled out by the Seahawks two days before kickoff, a sign that more moves could be coming in the next 24 hours as the team gears up for a tough road contest against the Commanders.
Progress Report: How Have Seahawks’ Defensive Position Groups Fared Through 7 Games?
Just outside the top five in scoring defense, the Seahawks have lived up to expectations in Mike Macdonald’s second season in many regards, but Ernest Jones and company still have a ways to go to play up to their high standards.
Seahawks Injury Updates: Devon Witherspoon Undergoing Imaging, Status Unclear
Licking their wounds after a 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers, the Seahawks could have a few key defensive players returning this week, but Devon Witherspoon’s status remains one of potential concern.
Injury Report: Seahawks Rule Out Four Players, Nick Emmanwori Returns vs. Buccaneers
After returning for a Thursday night win in Arizona, the Seahawks will be without Devon Witherspoon for a third time in four games along with two other key defensive starters against the Buccaneers.
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