Seahawks Lose Key Defensive Players and Running Back in Free Agency

Seattle's lack of offseason moves leaves them among the biggest losers on day one of 2026 NFL free agency.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks saw several key players depart in free agency, including running back Kenneth Walker III, who was the Super Bowl MVP, as well as defensive standouts Coby Bryant and Boye Mafe. While the team was able to retain some talent, their lack of aggressive offseason moves has left them among the biggest losers on the first day of 2026 NFL free agency.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' losses in free agency could significantly impact their ability to repeat as playoff contenders in 2026. Replacing the production of players like Walker, Bryant, and Mafe will be a major challenge, and the team's decision to not be more active in free agency could allow other teams in the NFC West to gain ground.

The details

The Seahawks lost running back Kenneth Walker III, who was the Super Bowl MVP, as well as defensive backs Coby Bryant and edge rusher Boye Mafe. While the team was able to retain some key players like Josh Jobe, the departures of Walker, Bryant, and Mafe represent a significant loss of talent and production. The Seahawks will now have to find ways to replace the 730 yards and 20 touchdowns Walker provided, as well as the 7 interceptions and 13 pass breakups from Bryant and the 146 pressures over 3 seasons from Mafe.

  • The Seahawks lost key players on the first day of 2026 NFL free agency.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

A 25-year-old running back who was the Super Bowl MVP for the Seahawks in 2025.

Coby Bryant

A defensive back who had 7 interceptions and 13 pass breakups over the last 2 seasons for the Seahawks.

Boye Mafe

An edge rusher who had 146 pressures over the last 3 seasons and was ranked the 22nd best free agent by Pro Football Focus.

Zach Charbonnet

A running back who will likely take over the RB1 role for the Seahawks, but is recovering from an ACL injury and may not be ready for Week 1 in 2026.

Josh Jobe

A defensive player the Seahawks were able to retain in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“I've never been that impressed (with Walker). It's not that I hate the guy. I've just never been that impressed. And he did put it together for those four games. But the previous four years were pretty frustrating, waiting for him to break that out, to be that guy that he was over the last four games.”

— Mike Salk (sports.mynorthwest.com)

The takeaway

The Seahawks' lack of aggressive free agency moves has left them among the biggest losers on the first day of 2026 NFL free agency. Replacing the production of players like Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant, and Boye Mafe will be a major challenge, and could allow other teams in the NFC West to gain ground on the defending division champions.