Seattle GM Schneider Builds Roster Through Draft and Free Agency

Seahawks GM John Schneider has assembled a deep, talented roster that reached the Super Bowl.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:15am

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John Schneider, the general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, has held his position for over 16 years. During his tenure, he has made shrewd moves in free agency and the NFL Draft to build a deep, talented roster that won 14 games in the regular season and two home playoff games as the NFC's top seed. Schneider brought in key players like quarterback Sam Darnold, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp, while also benefiting from a bold trade of Russell Wilson that netted several high draft picks, including All-Pro cornerback Devon Witherspoon and left tackle Charles Cross.

Why it matters

Schneider's ability to build a winning roster through both free agency and the draft has been crucial to the Seahawks' sustained success. The team's young core, combined with veteran leadership, has them back in the Super Bowl for the first time since their heartbreaking loss to the Patriots 11 years ago.

The details

Schneider added the title of president of football operations in 2024. His approach of treating people the right way and working hard has been successful, as evidenced by the Seahawks' 14-win regular season and two home playoff victories. Schneider's key free agent signings include quarterback Sam Darnold, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. The Seahawks also benefited from Schneider's bold 2022 trade of Russell Wilson, which netted several high draft picks that were used to select All-Pro cornerback Devon Witherspoon, left tackle Charles Cross, and edge rushers Boye Mafe and Derick Hall.

  • Schneider was hired as Seahawks GM over 16 years ago.
  • Schneider added the title of president of football operations in 2024.
  • The Seahawks' Super Bowl loss to the Patriots was 11 years ago.

The players

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, a position he has held for over 16 years. He was recently promoted to president of football operations in 2024.

Sam Darnold

The Seahawks' starting quarterback, who Schneider signed to a three-year, $100.5 million contract in free agency.

DeMarcus Lawrence

A veteran defensive end the Seahawks signed in free agency, who had 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two fumble return touchdowns this season.

Cooper Kupp

A wide receiver the Seahawks signed in free agency to bolster their passing attack.

Devon Witherspoon

An All-Pro cornerback the Seahawks drafted with one of the picks they acquired in the Russell Wilson trade.

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What they’re saying

“When you're bringing people into your building, especially in free agency, you want to make sure that the quality of the person, do we know exactly what we're getting?”

— John Schneider, General Manager (arkansasonline.com)

“Spoon is a heartbeat guy, the whole building feels him. They're just these completely different personalities, but in their own right. Everybody just totally respects Jax, the way he handles himself. It was amazing to have two guys that we thought were top five to seven players in that draft.”

— John Schneider, General Manager (arkansasonline.com)

What’s next

The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LVIII on February 8th, 2026, in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX 11 years ago.

The takeaway

John Schneider's ability to build a winning roster through both free agency and the draft has been crucial to the Seahawks' sustained success. The team's young core, combined with veteran leadership, has them back in the Super Bowl for the first time since their heartbreaking loss to the Patriots over a decade ago.