How have the Seahawks changed for the 2026 season: improved, declined, or remained steady?

The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl LX triumph, are navigating a transformative offseason as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Despite losing several key players, the team's management remains optimistic about their prospects, drawing parallels to the franchise's history following their 2013 and 2014 seasons.

In the wake of their championship victory, the Seahawks bid farewell to notable contributors, including safety Coby Bryant, outside linebacker Boye Mafe, cornerback Riq Woolen, and running back Kenneth Walker III, who was instrumental in their Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots. While these losses are significant, they are reminiscent of the 2014 season when the Seahawks lost a substantial number of players yet still managed to secure a 12-4 record and a playoff berth.

In 2014, the Seahawks saw the departure of 12 players from their Super Bowl XLVIII roster, including key offensive and defensive figures. This year, the current roster has lost five players from the top 20 in snap counts, totaling 2,976 snaps. General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald are tasked with ensuring that the team remains competitive despite these changes.

As the Seahawks gear up for training camp starting July 25, the evaluation of their roster reveals a mix of stability and uncertainty. The quarterback position remains unchanged, with Sam Darnold leading the charge, supported by Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe. Although the offensive system will see some adjustments under new coordinator Brian Fleury, the core remains intact, allowing for continuity.

In the running back department, the departure of Walker to the Kansas City Chiefs has raised concerns. The Seahawks drafted Jadarian Price in the first round, hoping to fill the void left by Walker's explosive play. However, the team also faces challenges with Zach Charbonnet's injury, which could impact their running game.

On the defensive side, the loss of Mafe to the Cincinnati Bengals and Bryant to the Chicago Bears has prompted the Seahawks to seek new talent. The addition of Dante Fowler Jr. aims to bolster the edge-rushing unit, while the secondary will see competition for starting roles following Woolen's exit.

Overall, while the Seahawks have experienced notable departures, the team's management is focused on leveraging their young talent and maintaining a competitive edge as they head into the new season.