Seahawks Face $63 Million Cap Crunch Ahead of Super Bowl Defense

Three key factors threaten Seattle's chances of repeating as NFL champions.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks are facing a daunting $63.6 million salary cap situation as they look to defend their Super Bowl LX title. With several key players set to hit free agency, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, and quarterback Sam Darnold's contract set to balloon, the Seahawks' front office is tasked with difficult decisions to keep their championship-caliber roster intact.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' salary cap constraints could force them to make tough choices about retaining their top talent, potentially weakening the team that dominated the Super Bowl just months ago. This puts their chances of repeating as champions in serious jeopardy, as they must navigate a complex financial landscape to keep their core players.

The details

The Seahawks' $63.6 million in salary cap space, the sixth-most in the NFL, is a double-edged sword. They must use that flexibility to re-sign key free agents like Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, whose value has skyrocketed, and manage the looming $37.9 million cap hit for quarterback Sam Darnold. Additionally, the Seahawks face the potential exodus of defensive stars like Josh Jobe, Coby Bryant, Rig Woolen, and Boye Mafe, all of whom are hitting the open market.

  • The Seahawks won Super Bowl LX on February 11, 2026.
  • Kenneth Walker III is an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason.
  • Sam Darnold's $37.9 million cap hit is set for the 2026 season.
  • Josh Jobe, Coby Bryant, Rig Woolen, and Boye Mafe are all set to become free agents in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

The Seahawks' Super Bowl MVP running back who is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Sam Darnold

The Seahawks' quarterback whose $37.9 million cap hit for the 2026 season is a significant financial burden.

Josh Jobe

A core member of the Seahawks' top-ranked defense who is set to become a free agent.

Coby Bryant

A key contributor to the Seahawks' defense who is expected to command over $14 million per year as a free agent.

Rig Woolen

A defensive player for the Seahawks who is set to hit the free agent market.

Boye Mafe

Another defensive player for the Seahawks who is poised to become a free agent.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to keep our core players together if we want to have a chance at repeating as champions.”

— John Schneider, General Manager, Seattle Seahawks

What’s next

The Seahawks' front office will need to prioritize which free agents to re-sign and explore creative contract restructuring options to free up cap space before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' salary cap situation poses a significant challenge as they look to defend their Super Bowl title. Their ability to retain key players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, will be crucial in determining whether they can repeat as champions or if their title defense is already in jeopardy.