Seahawks Retain Linebacker Drake Thomas on 2-Year Deal

The Super Bowl champions lock up a key defensive starter on a multi-year contract.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed restricted free agent linebacker Drake Thomas to a two-year, $8 million contract that could be worth up to $9 million. Thomas, an undrafted free agent in 2023, emerged as a starter for the Seahawks in 2025 and played a key role in their Super Bowl championship run.

Why it matters

Retaining Thomas is an important move for the Seahawks, as he has developed into a solid starting linebacker after joining the team as a waiver claim. The multi-year deal provides stability at the position and keeps a key defensive contributor in the fold for the defending champions.

The details

Thomas, 26, was set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. Instead of giving him a one-year tender, the Seahawks opted for a two-year contract that will keep him in Seattle through the 2027 season. After suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2023, Thomas emerged as a starter in 2025 and recorded 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

  • Thomas was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2023, but was waived before the season started.
  • The Seahawks claimed Thomas off waivers in 2023, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury that year.
  • In 2024, Thomas played in all 17 games for the Seahawks, primarily on special teams.
  • Heading into the 2025 season, Thomas won the starting weakside linebacker job and had a breakout year.
  • The new two-year contract will keep Thomas in Seattle through the 2027 season.

The players

Drake Thomas

A 26-year-old linebacker who joined the Seahawks as a waiver claim in 2023 after going undrafted. He emerged as a starter in 2025 and played a key role in the team's Super Bowl championship run.

Tyrice Knight

A linebacker who competed with Thomas for the starting weakside linebacker job in 2025 before Thomas won the job outright.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a first-year starter, Thomas cashes in with a deal done by agent Jay Courie of @mgcsports.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider (Twitter)

What’s next

The Seahawks will look to build on their Super Bowl championship in 2026 with Thomas anchoring their linebacker corps.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' decision to retain Drake Thomas on a multi-year deal demonstrates their commitment to keeping their championship-caliber defense intact. Thomas' perseverance and development into a starting-caliber linebacker is an inspiring NFL story.