A look inside the Seattle Seahawks' offseason: Super Bowl champs head into tricky period

DAZN News’ Gavin Babbitt breaks down Seattle’ salary cap outlook, unrestricted free agents, potential contract extensions, and coaching hires. 

Salary Cap 

The Seahawks rank sixth in salary cap space going into the offseason. Seattle has a young roster with minimal dead cap money. General manager John Schneider has traditionally built teams through the draft, but has the flexibility to add in free agency and begin negotiating contract extensions. 

From 2026 to 2028, the Seahawks rank 24th of 32 teams in total salary cap commitments. Seattle has a bona fide Super Bowl window over the next three years and different options to improve an already-elite roster. 

Unrestricted Free Agents 

Kenneth Walker – RB

Kenneth Walker made a strong case for a contract extension in 2025. The fourth-year back tallied more than 1,700 yards from scrimmage with nine touchdowns – four of which came in the playoffs – and was the Super Bowl MVP. 

The Seahawks need a solution at running back with Zach Charbonnet potentially missing half of next season. Walker will be looking for $10-13 million per year for a minimum of two seasons. He is likely to get it considering his 2025 performance and the Seahawks’ dilemma at the position. 

Riq Woolen – CB

Riq Woolen is an effective coverage player whose performance has declined over the last two seasons. Cornerback is one of the five highest-paid positions in the NFL. A new contract from Seattle depends on its confidence in replacing him and Woolen’s market in free agency. 

Mike Macdonald is a defensive wizard and more than capable of developing a rookie cornerback. Teams with coverage issues and cap space could outbid the Seahawks for Woolen. 

Rashid Shaheed – WR

Rashid Shaheed is dynamite as a kick returner but had only 18 receptions and zero receiving touchdowns in 12 games with the Seahawks. Tory Horton is entering his second NFL season and was productive in Shaheed’s role prior to his season-ending shin injury. 

Shaheed will have suitors, and the Seahawks can keep costs down in an expensive position group by opting for Horton as their third receiver and return specialist. 

Contract Extensions 

Jaxson Smith-Njigba – WR 

The Seahawks have Jaxson Smith-Njigba under contract for one more season with a team option in 2027. With his ascent over the past two years, Smith-Njigba has earned consideration for a contract extension as early as this offseason. 

Signing Smith-Njigba now would lock him in at a lower rate than he could demand next year after another All-Pro season. An early extension gives the Seahawks a clear projection of their salary cap outlook in coming years, allowing more flexibility for long-term personnel decisions. 

This extension would be at the top of the wide receiver market. Those deals are typically four years with $35 million to $40 million in average annual value. Disagreement over fully guaranteed money is the biggest threat to getting it done. That range is between $60 million and $80 million for elite wide receivers. 

Devon Witherspoon – CB

Devon Witherspoon will be a central piece of the Seahawks’ defense. It is only a question for how much money. His value is increasing after three Pro Bowls in three seasons and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2025. 

An extension this offseason offers the same benefits as Smith-Njigba’s would. It clears the way for decisions on other players in the Seattle secondary – cornerback Josh Jobe and safety Coby Bryant are also unrestricted free agents like Riq Woolen. 

Witherspoon’s extension would be up to four years and worth anywhere from $70 million to $100 million. No player embodies the Seahawks’ identity like their franchise cornerback. 

Leonard Williams – DT

Leonard Williams' last two seasons in Seattle were some of his best as a pro. He fits Mike Macdonald’s system perfectly with his ability to rush the passer and stop the run. 

Williams has one year remaining on his contract and an extension from the Seahawks would sign him into his mid-30s. Seattle can wait until next offseason to negotiate, but more production from Williams increases his value as an unrestricted free agent in 2027. A player like him could demand a three-year contract for up to $70 million. 

Derick Hall/Uchenna Nwosu – EDGE

Derick Hall and Uchenna Nwosu have one year remaining on their contracts. Only one is likely to get an extension from the Seahawks. 

Nwosu has been excellent for Seattle when healthy, but he has missed significant time due to injury in two of the last three seasons. Hall is four years younger, but has not produced at the level Nwosu has. 

For Nwosu’s price in the short term, the Seahawks can sign Hall to a longer deal. Hall has improved considerably since his rookie season and his lower annual salary would benefit Seattle’s salary cap situation over the next three years. 

Seattle could allow both players to play out their contracts in 2026. However, if a deal with Leonard Williams does not get done, it runs the risk of breaking up one of the NFL’s best defensive lines. 

Coaching Staff 

Offensive Coordinator – Brian Fleury 

Brian Fleury is the Seahawks’ new offensive coordinator after Clint Kubiak’s exit to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Fleury most recently served as the run game coordinator and tight ends coach for the San Francisco 49ers. 

Fleury is from the Shanahan coaching tree. Those offenses rely heavily on the running game with a creative passing scheme that includes motions and play-action. The hire shows Seattle’s commitment to running the football. If the Seahawks improve their run blocking, they have a chance to improve offensively in 2026. More pre-snap movement can be expected with Fleury. 

Inside Linebackers Coach – Zach Orr 

Zach Orr is familiar with Mike Macdonald. The two worked on the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff from 2017 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2023. Orr spent the last two seasons as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator. 

Orr had interviews to remain a defensive coordinator earlier this year, but chose to join the Seahawks under Macdonald and Aden Durde instead. Seattle will be in the market for a linebacker in April’s draft. Orr’s familiarity with the team’s scheme will help with younger players and his experience is valuable to safety Nick Emmanwori when he is used at the position.