Seahawks' Rebuild: Relying on Internal Growth

On March 15th, the Seattle Seahawks are facing a tough reality check after their

Super Bowl win last season. They've already lost four key defenders and a star

running back in the first phase of free agency for 2026. Kenneth Walker, Rick

Woolen, Kobe Bryant, and Boyet Math. General manager John Schneider has

in brought in big name replacements yet, betting instead on current roster

players to step up as starters. That approach means guys like safety tie

Okada and linebacker Drake Thomas could see bigger roles right away. Okada

filled in well last year during injuries and got tender to stay put while

Thomas earned a two-year deal worth up to nine million dollars after proving

himself next to Ernest Jones. The team also locked in wide receiver Rashid

Shaheed with a three-year 51 million dollar contract praising his speed on

returns and offense. Fans and analysts see mixed impacts from these moves. The

defense they carry them to the title now looks thinner, especially without

mace edge rush, putting pressure on hate coach Mike McDonald to work more

magic. On offense, coordinator Brian Flory loses Walker and deals with Zack

Chardonnay's playoff ACL tear, forcing unproven backs like a manual Wilson

into the mix. Looking ahead, Seattle might slip to third in the NFC West next

year if the gambles don't pay off. But brighter days could come in 2027 with

plenty of cap space even after possible extensions for stars like Devon

Witherspoon and Jackson Smith and Jeegba plus 12 picks in a strong draft

class. For now, the Seahawks are banking on internal growth to defend their

crown, setting up an intriguing rebuild around their young core.