Ready for ‘Next Chapter,’ Rylie Mills Poised to Capture Bigger Role on Seahawks’ Defensive Line
In their 50 seasons as a franchise, the Seattle Seahawks have appeared in four Super Bowls, with unexpected stars from Kelly Herndon to Malcolm Smith to Chris Matthews shining in every single one of those games regardless of the final outcome.
Helping the Seahawks claim their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history in February, Super Bowl LX proved to be no exception. Playing in just his sixth NFL game, Rylie Mills emphatically etched his name in the history books, picking the perfect time to record his first career NFL sack by bringing down Patriots quarterback Drake Maye - as well as bullied guard Jared Wilson - in the backfield after unleashing a menacing bull rush that steered his blocker into the pocket faster than the blink of an eye.
Teammates mobbed the rookie defensive end out of Notre Dame as he rose from ground howling in delight, with linebacker Ernest Jones accidently managing to knock him over during the post-play celebration. The electric sack put a positive finish on a challenging first season for Mills, who overcame a lengthy recovery from a torn ACL that cost him most of his first season in the Pacific Northwest to make an unexpected impact on the biggest stage in sports.
Analysis: What to Watch as Seahawks Kick Off OTAs
Taking the next step towards a new season, the Seattle Seahawks will open the final phase of their offseason program with the start of OTAs, partaking in the first open session to media on May 26.
With three open sessions and 10 total practices scheduled in the next two weeks before mandatory minicamp in mid-June, here are five storylines to watch heading into OTAs at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center:
1. Brian Fleury begins his journey as a first-time play caller with massive shoes to fill.
This time last spring, after dismissing Ryan Grubb just one day after missing the playoffs in 2024, the Seahawks handed the keys to their offense to Klint Kubiak, who held previous experience as an NFL play caller with the Vikings and Saints. That courtship ended up being a home run for the franchise and the coach, as Seattle finished in the top five in the league in points scored and set a team record for points scored in a single season. That success ultimately led to Kubiak being hired as the new coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in February, and while nobody could have reasonably expected such a triumphant one-and-done scenario to play out, there were signs that his scheme would bring out the best in quarterback Sam Darnold and company in OTAs.
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?
Growth of Sophomore Class Gives Seahawks Shot to Be Even Better in 2026
Like most Super Bowl winners, the Seattle Seahawks leaned heavily on their established stars on the way to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy last season. From quarterback Sam Darnold to defensive tackle Leonard Williams to linebacker Ernest Jones, the team had plenty of experienced veterans who stepped up with outstanding seasons to guide the team back to the top.
However, what made Seattle’s season truly a special one was the impressive contributions from young players in all three phases. Most notably, the 2025 rookie class played a massive role in taking the jump from a quality 10-win team that narrowly missed the playoffs one year earlier to winning the NFC West, earning the No. 1 seed, and capturing a Super Bowl title.
Continuing to be on a multi-year heater unearthing game-changing talent in the draft, Seahawks general manager John Schneider landed a Day 1 starting guard in Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick, plugging the former North Dakota State standout into the lineup right away as a clear difference maker for a much-improved offensive line. Defensively, trading up to snag safety Nick Emmanwori with the 35th overall pick proved to be a huge steal for the franchise, as his Swiss army knife traits turned an already great defense into a juggernaut.
Three Breakout Candidates for Seahawks in 2026
Coming off a Super Bowl LX win, the Seattle Seahawks’ path back to championship contention will not hinge on splashy free agent additions or blockbuster trades.
Instead, bolstering Seattle’s chances for a repeat could come from within. As the franchise enters an exciting 2026 season set to defend their title, several young players are positioned to take major steps forward and potentially transform the roster in the process, helping offset some of the key losses suffered in free agency back in March.
Specifically, three Seahawks could be on the verge of breakout campaigns that reshape the roster and help in Seattle’s quest for a repeat Super Bowl title.
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: 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.
Halftime Observations: Defenses Dominate as Seahawks Lead Patriots 9-0 in Super Bowl LX
With the Lombardi Trophy hanging in the balance, points will apparently be at a premium in Super Bowl LX as the Seattle Seahawks went into halftime nursing a slim 9-0 lead over the New England Patriots behind three Jason Myers field goals and a stingy, suffocating defensive effort.
What stood out from the first two quarters at Levis Stadium?
1. Ken Walker III runs like a Lamborghini on the Levis grass, but the Seahawks can’t get the car into the garage.
Playing in what could be his final game in a Seahawks uniform as free agency approaches next month, a motivated Walker revved up his engine and turned on the accelerators early and often, regularly leaving Patriots defenders in his wake after smooth, explosive cuts and filthy jump cut moves. On the first play from scrimmage, he bounced an inside zone run out wide to the perimeter, out-running multiple defenders towards the sideline before cutting upfield for a 10-yard gain to move the chains, helping start off a successful opening series that ended with Myers’ first field goal from 33 yards out.
Week 17 Inactives: Seahawks Deactivate Brandon Pili Again in Carolina
For the second straight game, the Seahawks will go on the lighter side on the defensive line, rolling with six receivers instead of nose tackle Brandon Pili.
Seahawks Waive Veterans, Create Multiple Spots on 53-Man Roster For Further Moves
With a wave of players returning to practice in recent weeks, the Seahawks opened up two roster spots on Thursday, but it remains to be seen who will fill those openings before Sunday’s home game against the Colts.
Analysis: Grading Seahawks 2025 Rookie Class Through Seven Games
Closing in on the halfway point of their rookie seasons, how have Tory Horton and company performed thus far for the Seahawks?
Seahawks Place Rylie Mills, 5 Other Rookies on Non-Football Injury List Prior to Training Camp
As expected, the Seahawks will open training camp without fifth-round pick Rylie Mills able to practice, but several other undrafted rookies also will be sidelined indefinitely.
Seahawks OTAs Preview: What to Watch From Byron Murphy, Defensive Tackle Group
Atop the depth chart, few NFL teams have more firepower than the Seahawks do in the interior of their defensive line. But losses in the offseason have created some questions that need to be answered in the depth department.
Best/Worst Case Scenarios For Every 2025 Seahawks Draft Pick
As first-round pick Grey Zabel and the rest of the Seahawks rookie class prepare for their first OTAs alongside returning veterans, what are realistic expectations for all 11 players heading into their first season?
Dancing to Own Tune: Rylie Mills Brings Versatility, Big Personality to Seahawks
Rehabbing from a knee injury, it may take some time before the Seahawks have a chance to see Rylie Mills contribute on the field. Once he does, however, his former position coach expects the huge personality to provide another versatile force to their defensive line.
Takeaways From Seahawks First Rookie Minicamp Practice
Taking advantage of a sunny day in early May, Seahawks rookies hit the practice field for the first time on Friday with Jalen Milroe and Nick Emmanwori leading a surprisingly smooth minicamp session.
Post-2025 NFL Draft Way-Too-Early Seahawks 53-Man Roster Projection
With OTAs set to kick off next month, the Seahawks have several intriguing competitions set to commence both for starting roles and roster spots. Who has the inside track for a roster spot in September?
Analysis: Grading All 11 of Seahawks’ 2025 NFL Draft Picks
Stockpiling players oozing with athleticism, positional flexibility, and swagger, John Schneider and Mike Macdonald couldn’t have been much happier coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft. How did they fare with each of their 11 selections?
‘We’re On Our Way’: Mike Macdonald’s Vision Taking Shape With Seahawks’ 2025 Draft Class
Capitalizing on an abundance of picks and benefiting from their first full offseason together, Mike Macdonald and John Schneider were all smiles at the VMAC coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft, confident the Seahawks’ latest draft class took them a big step closer to fulfilling their coach’s vision.
Seahawks Trade Sam Howell to Vikings, Draft Notre Dame DL Rylie Mills With 142nd Pick
While it remains to be seen whether or not he will be ready for the start of training camp or the regular season, the Seahawks felt comfortable enough with Rylie Mills’ knee to take a shot on him early in the fifth round with a pick acquired for Sam Howell.
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