Seahawks Predicted to Have Lackluster Spending Offseason

Two big reasons why the Super Bowl champions may not splurge in free agency

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks are entering the offseason with around $58 million in cap space, but ESPN's Brady Henderson predicts their spending will be more conservative this year. The main reasons are the impending massive contract extensions for star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, which are expected to exceed $30 million per year each.

Why it matters

The Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl win, so fans may have expected the team to be aggressive in free agency. However, the need to lock up their top young talents long-term is taking priority over splashy signings, as the team tries to maintain its championship core.

The details

Despite having nearly $58 million in cap space, the Seahawks are not expected to overspend on free agents this offseason. The main reasons are the looming contract extensions for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, which are both projected to exceed $30 million per year. Keeping those two stars is the top priority, even if it means losing some other players in free agency.

  • The Seahawks have around $58 million in cap space heading into the 2026 offseason.

The players

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A star wide receiver for the Seahawks who is expected to sign a contract worth over $30 million per year.

Devon Witherspoon

A star cornerback for the Seahawks who is expected to sign a contract worth over $30 million per year.

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What they’re saying

“What do you expect to happen: Not overpay for an offensive lineman - or anyone else,”

— Brady Henderson, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

The takeaway

The Seahawks are prioritizing locking up their top young stars long-term over splashing out in free agency, even with a large amount of cap space available. This conservative approach aims to maintain the team's championship core, though it may mean losing some other players to free agency.