Six months removed from their
Head coach
Navigating Roster Changes and New Leadership
The Seahawks enter the new season with a slightly altered landscape following a productive but demanding offseason. General manager John Schneider, who has now secured two Super Bowl titles with entirely different rosters, faced difficult personnel decisions after the team's 29-13 victory over New England. Key contributors departed in free agency, including running back Kenneth Walker III, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, and cornerback Riq Woolen, who joined the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, outside linebacker Boye Mafe and safety Coby Bryant moved on to the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears, respectively.
Despite these losses, the organization managed to retain significant core talent, signing extensions for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The team also boasts league-low dead money charges, allowing them to maintain continuity with the majority of their 2025 roster. On the coaching front, the offense will be led by first-time coordinator Brian Fleury, who replaces Klint Kubiak. Quarterback
The Challenge of Sustained Dominance
While the Seahawks maintain internal confidence, external expectations have shifted. The Los Angeles Rams, bolstered by the return of Aaron Donald and the acquisitions of Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson, have emerged as betting favorites for the NFC West and Super Bowl LXI. This underdog status has provided additional motivation for the Seattle locker room, with players like Leonard Williams noting that the lack of outside recognition serves as fuel for their process.
The team faces early-season hurdles, particularly with injuries to running back Zach Charbonnet and safety Bud Clark, as well as the ongoing recovery of other defensive depth pieces. However, with the defense entering its third year under Macdonald’s scheme, the staff believes that familiarity and continuity will be vital assets. As the Seahawks prepare to kick off their campaign at Lumen Field, the focus remains strictly on the daily grind. For a team that has already proven its ability to reach the pinnacle, the objective for 2026 is clear: continue to evolve and challenge whoever stands in their way.
