Seahawks’ Free Agency Outlook: Navigating the Post-Super Bowl Landscape
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.
Understanding Free Agency Categories
NFL players entering free agency are categorized based on accrued seasons, impacting their negotiating power. These categories are 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).
Exclusive Rights Free Agents: Likely Retentions
Teams retain exclusive rights free agents by extending a qualifying tender – a one-year contract at the league minimum for their experience level. For the Seahawks, running back George Holani ($1.075M tender) and safety Ty Okada ($1.145M tender) fall into this category. Both players contributed significantly on special teams and played over a thousand combined snaps in 2025, making their retention a likely scenario.
Restricted Free Agents: Tender Decisions Loom
With restricted free agents, teams must decide whether to extend a tender. Tender options include the first-round ($8.107M), second-round ($5.811M), and right of first refusal ($3.547M) tenders. The Seahawks have several RFAs: linebacker Drake Thomas, tight finish Brady Russell, long snapper Chris Stoll, wide receiver Cody White, defensive tackle Brandon Pili, and safety A.J. Finley. Thomas, Russell, and Stoll are considered the most likely candidates to receive a tender, while Pili and Bobo may be offered contract extensions instead.
Unrestricted Free Agents: Key Departures Possible
The most closely watched group is the unrestricted free agents, players who can negotiate with any team. The Seahawks’ unrestricted free agents include safety Coby Bryant, cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Tariq Woolen, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, linebacker Boye Mafe, running back Ken Walker, offensive lineman Josh Jones, wide receiver Dareke Young, and linebacker Chazz Surratt. The secondary faces potential disruption with Bryant, Jobe, and Woolen all hitting the market.
The Curious Case of Dareke Young
Wide receiver Dareke Young presents an interesting case, qualifying for a four-year qualifying contract – a provision the Seahawks haven’t utilized since its introduction in the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement. This situation warrants close attention during negotiations.
Offensive Stability
A significant positive for the Seahawks is that their entire starting offense is currently under contract for 2026, including right guard Anthony Bradford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a restricted and unrestricted free agent?
A: A restricted free agent can receive offers from other teams, but their current team has the right to match those offers. Unrestricted free agents can negotiate with any team without their previous team having a matching right.
Q: What does a “tender” mean in NFL free agency?
A: A tender is a one-year contract offer a team extends to a restricted or exclusive rights free agent, setting a minimum salary they must be paid.
Q: Will Ken Walker return to the Seahawks?
A: As an unrestricted free agent, Walker is free to negotiate with any team. His return to Seattle will depend on contract negotiations and his market value.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. It’s a crucial event for teams to evaluate potential free agents and draft prospects.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Seahawks navigate the free agency period and prepare to defend their Super Bowl title.
