Corbin Smith 5/22/26 Corbin Smith 5/22/26

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?

Corbin Smith 5/20/26 Corbin Smith 5/20/26

Analysis: Investigating Seahawks’ Key Defensive Position Battles Entering OTAs

Set to kick off OTAs next week at the VMAC, the Seattle Seahawks will welcome back plenty of familiar faces from their Super Bowl squad. Even with Riq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and Boye Mafe gone, 11 of the 13 players who logged at least 700 defensive snaps in 2025 remain under contract heading into the new season, presenting rare continuity for a defending champion.

Thanks to the minimal changes, Seattle will open the final phase of the offseason program without many starting jobs up for grabs on defense, leaving rotational reserve roles as the main competitions to play out over the summer. The entire interior defensive line and linebacker corps will return from last year’s Super Bowl squad along with the majority of key starters back in the secondary, headlined by All-Pro Devon Witherspoon and rising star Nick Emmanwori.

But while few starting jobs may be on the line, the Seahawks should still have some enticing competitions on tap on the defensive side of the football when they hit the practice field next week, including a pair of significant openings to replace Woolen and Bryant in the secondary that will be buoyed by using four draft picks at the two positions last month.

Which battles offer the most intrigue with two months until the start of training camp?

Corbin Smith 4/2/26 Corbin Smith 4/2/26

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?

Corbin Smith 3/18/26 Corbin Smith 3/18/26

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?

Corbin Smith 11/10/25 Corbin Smith 11/10/25

‘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.

Corbin Smith 10/11/25 Corbin Smith 10/11/25

Seahawks’ Secondary Injuries Put ‘Next Man Up’ Mantra to Ultimate Test

Prior to the season, Mike Macdonald lauded the Seahawks depth at cornerback and safety. But as the injuries continue to pile up, that depth will be further challenged against an upstart Jaguars squad on Sunday.

Corbin Smith 10/8/25 Corbin Smith 10/8/25

Film Breakdown: Diagnosing Seahawks’ Coverage Breakdowns vs. Buccaneers

Winding up on the wrong end of a shootout on Sunday, the Seahawks allowed nearly 400 passing yards to Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, leaving Mike Macdonald searching for answers. Looking at 10 explosive pass plays allowed, what went wrong defensively?

Corbin Smith 10/5/25 Corbin Smith 10/5/25

Carved Up By Buccaneers, Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald Takes Responsibility For Defensive Letdown

Typically, scoring 35 points in an NFL game leads to victory. But the Seahawks endured an uncharacteristic off day at the wrong time with busted coverages, missed tackles, and an anemic pass rush that left Mike Macdonald seeking answers after a 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers.

Corbin Smith 10/5/25 Corbin Smith 10/5/25

Rapid Reaction: Late Interception Dooms Seahawks in 38-35 Shootout Loss to Buccaneers

Despite over 340 passing yards and four touchdowns from Sam Darnold, one lone mistake from the quarterback cost the Seahawks in a tight, high-scoring affair as the Buccaneers escaped with a 38-35 win at Lumen Field.

Key Storylines to Watch as Seahawks Close Out Preseason at Packers

Corbin Smith 8/23/25 Corbin Smith 8/23/25

Preview

Key Storylines to Watch as Seahawks Close Out Preseason at Packers

In their final dress rehearsal before the real bullets start flying on September 7, several young Seahawks will be looking to shine at Lambeau Field with roster spots and practice squad opportunities hanging in the balance.

Corbin Smith 8/13/25 Corbin Smith 8/13/25

Camp Takeaways: Seahawks ‘Take Foot Off the Gas’ in Sloppy Family Day Practice

As Mike Macdonald put it, the Seahawks wouldn’t be batting 1.000 in training camp, and Wednesday’s final practice heading into their second preseason definitely dragged the batting average down with flags, mistimed snaps, and more.

Corbin Smith 8/12/25 Corbin Smith 8/12/25

Camp Takeaways: Ken Walker III Ready For Week 1, Seahawks’ Rookie D-Linemen Coming of Age

Back in full pads for the first time in nearly three weeks, the Seahawks’ bell cow back looked ready to face the 49ers in Tuesday’s final open practice for fans, while an intriguing group of undrafted rookie defensive linemen led by Jared Ivey continue to make positive impressions.

Corbin Smith 8/7/25 Corbin Smith 8/7/25

Instant Analysis: Seahawks Start Preseason Fast Behind Rookies, Settle For 23-23 Tie vs. Raiders

While the Seahawks nearly coughed up their first preseason game, strong starts by their heralded rookie class helped the team build a 13-point halftime lead in an eventful exhibition opener at Lumen Field.

Corbin Smith 7/29/25 Corbin Smith 7/29/25

Camp Takeaways: George Holani Runs Wild, Seahawks’ Defense Racks Up Picks on Day 6

Heeding the call from coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks rebounded nicely on offense in Tuesday’s second padded practice behind excellent efforts from reserve running backs vying for the third down role.

Corbin Smith 7/13/25 Corbin Smith 7/13/25

Seahawks Camp Preview: Will Devon Witherspoon, CB Group Fulfill Immense Upside?

In terms of pure talent, the Seahawks stack up favorably against any other team in the league with Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen atop the depth chart. But can the duo elevate the group to another level in year two in Mike Macdonald’s scheme?

Corbin Smith 7/7/25 Corbin Smith 7/7/25

Seahawks 90-Man Rundown: Nehemiah Pritchett Faces Critical Training Camp as Developmental CB

Injuries forced Nehemiah Pritchett onto the field defensively early in his rookie season with mixed results before sitting out much of the second half. Will a full offseason program propel him to a second year leap?

Corbin Smith 6/13/25 Corbin Smith 6/13/25

53-Man Projection: Who Makes Cut After Seahawks Wrap Up Offseason Program?

Six weeks away from training camp, the Seahawks have several ongoing competitions left to play out when they return to the field. Who will win starting jobs and roster spots up for grabs in August and September?

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