Seahawks Face Key Free Agent Decisions Ahead of 2026 Season

Exclusive rights, restricted, and unrestricted free agents will shape the Seahawks' roster for their Super Bowl defense.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks are turning their attention to the offseason following their Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots. With the legal tampering period for free agency beginning in four weeks, the team faces key decisions regarding players whose contracts are set to expire on March 11th. The Seahawks have a mix of exclusive rights, restricted, and unrestricted free agents, each requiring different approaches to retention.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' free agent decisions will significantly impact the team's ability to maintain continuity and defend their Super Bowl title. Retaining key contributors on both offense and defense, especially in the secondary, will be crucial. How the team navigates the various free agent categories could shape the roster for years to come.

The details

The Seahawks have three categories of free agents: exclusive rights free agents (two or fewer accrued seasons), restricted free agents (exactly three accrued seasons), and unrestricted free agents (four or more accrued seasons). The team is likely to retain exclusive rights free agents like running back George Holani and safety Ty Okada. For restricted free agents like linebacker Drake Thomas, tight end Brady Russell, and long snapper Chris Stoll, the Seahawks must decide whether to extend tenders. The unrestricted free agent group includes several starters, such as safety Coby Bryant, cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Tariq Woolen, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, and running back Ken Walker. The team also faces an interesting situation with wide receiver Dareke Young, who qualifies for a four-year qualifying contract.

  • The legal tampering period for free agency begins in four weeks.
  • Player contracts are set to expire on March 11th.

The players

George Holani

A running back who contributed significantly on special teams and played over a thousand combined snaps in 2025.

Ty Okada

A safety who contributed significantly on special teams and played over a thousand combined snaps in 2025.

Drake Thomas

A linebacker who is considered one of the most likely candidates to receive a tender from the Seahawks.

Brady Russell

A tight end who is considered one of the most likely candidates to receive a tender from the Seahawks.

Chris Stoll

A long snapper who is considered one of the most likely candidates to receive a tender from the Seahawks.

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What’s next

The Seahawks will need to make decisions on whether to extend tenders to their restricted free agents, as well as negotiate with their unrestricted free agents. The NFL Combine in Indianapolis will be a crucial event for the team to evaluate potential free agents and draft prospects.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' free agent decisions will be crucial in their effort to defend their Super Bowl title. Retaining key contributors, especially in the secondary, will be a top priority. The team's ability to navigate the various free agent categories and make strategic decisions will shape the roster for years to come.