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Seahawks Re-Sign Linebacker Drake Thomas to 2-Year Deal
The Super Bowl champions lock up their starting inside linebacker with a $1.5 million signing bonus.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed linebacker Drake Thomas to a 2-year contract worth up to $9 million. Thomas, who went undrafted out of North Carolina State in 2023, impressed the Seahawks coaching staff and earned a starting role next to Ernest Jones in the middle of Seattle's top-ranked defense. The deal includes a $1.5 million signing bonus for the 26-year-old Thomas, who helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl last season.
Why it matters
Retaining Thomas was a key priority for the Seahawks this offseason as they look to keep their championship-winning defense intact. Thomas emerged as a standout starter after joining the team off the Raiders' practice squad in 2023, and his continued presence alongside Jones will be crucial for Seattle's title defense.
The details
Thomas, a 5'11" 228-pound linebacker, went undrafted out of NC State in 2023 but impressed the Seahawks coaching staff enough to earn a starting role last season. He played a key role in Seattle's top-ranked defense that led the team to a Super Bowl victory. The new 2-year deal includes a $1.5 million signing bonus and could be worth up to $9 million with incentives.
- Thomas sealed the Seahawks' NFC West title and top playoff seed with an interception in Week 18 against the 49ers on January 3, 2026.
- Thomas helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl last month on the same field in Santa Clara, California.
The players
Drake Thomas
A 26-year-old linebacker who went undrafted out of NC State in 2023 but earned a starting role with the Seahawks and helped the team win the Super Bowl last season.
Ernest Jones
The Seahawks' starting middle linebacker who has formed a strong duo with Thomas in the heart of Seattle's top-ranked defense.
Mike Macdonald
The Seahawks' defensive coordinator who moved Thomas into a starting role last summer after he impressed on special teams.
What they’re saying
“Drake's a baller man. Proud of him.”
— Ernest Jones, Seahawks Linebacker (The News Tribune)
“You've seen what Drake is doing out there. Hard to take him off the field.”
— Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Defensive Coordinator (The News Tribune)
What’s next
The Seahawks will now turn their attention to re-signing or replacing other key free agents like Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker and Pro Bowl kick returner Rashid Shaheed.
The takeaway
By locking up Drake Thomas, the Seahawks have ensured continuity in the heart of their championship-winning defense. Thomas' emergence as a starter after joining the team as an undrafted free agent is a testament to the team's scouting and player development, and his new contract is a well-deserved reward for his contributions to the Seahawks' Super Bowl run.
