Winning the Super Bowl creates celebration—but it also creates tough decisions.
Now the Seattle Seahawks face a brutal offseason reality: they simply can’t keep everyone.

Rewritten Article

The Seattle Seahawks are entering the offseason as Super Bowl champions, but even the NFL’s most successful teams face difficult roster decisions.

After hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, Seattle now has nine unrestricted free agents from its championship roster. While the organization would love to keep the core of the team intact, salary cap realities mean several familiar faces could be heading elsewhere.

The question facing the Seahawks’ front office is simple—but incredibly complicated:

Which players are worth keeping, and which ones must be sacrificed?

Here’s a closer look at Seattle’s free agents, ranked from the least critical to the most essential to re-sign.

9️⃣ Dareke Young — Replaceable Role

Wide receiver Dareke Young sits at the bottom of the priority list.

Over four NFL seasons, Young has recorded just four catches for 72 yards, spending most of his time contributing on special teams. While he has value in that role, it’s a position that can easily be filled through the draft or low-cost free agency.

For a team trying to manage its salary cap carefully, Young may simply be a luxury the Seahawks cannot afford.

8️⃣ Chazz Surratt — Depth Player

Linebacker Chazz Surratt also played primarily on special teams, finishing the season with 11 tackles.

While Surratt provides depth and energy, Seattle could likely replace his role with a younger player through the draft.

7️⃣ Riq Woolen — A Surprising Exit?

Perhaps the most surprising name on the list is cornerback Riq Woolen.

Woolen started 53 games over four seasons, but his role noticeably declined last year. He started just seven games, the lowest total of his career, and reports suggested the relationship between player and team may have become strained.

At this point, a fresh start for both sides might be the most realistic outcome.

6️⃣ Josh Jones — Veteran Depth

Offensive tackle Josh Jones appeared in 14 games and made three starts during the championship season.

While his versatility and experience provide value, he may not be a top priority compared to younger or more impactful players on the roster.

Seattle could bring him back if the price is right—but losing him wouldn’t be a major blow.

5️⃣ Boye Mafe — Talent with a Reduced Role

Edge rusher Boye Mafe remains one of the most intriguing free agents.

Despite his talent, his role decreased significantly this season. Mafe started just four games while recording 31 tackles and two sacks.

Because he still carries strong potential as a pass rusher, another team may offer a contract Seattle simply can’t match.

4️⃣ Coby Bryant — Breakout Season

Safety Coby Bryant developed into a major contributor during his fourth NFL season.

He started 15 games, recording 66 tackles and four interceptions, the best statistical season of his career.

Bryant’s improvement has likely increased his market value—possibly beyond what Seattle is willing to pay.

3️⃣ Josh Jobe — Rising Cornerback

Cornerback Josh Jobe also took a major step forward this season.

Starting 15 games, Jobe recorded 54 tackles and one interception, proving he can be a reliable starter in the secondary.

But success comes with a price. Jobe is expected to command a significant raise, which could make it difficult for Seattle to retain him.

2️⃣ Rashid Shaheed — Game-Changing Speed

Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed quickly became one of the Seahawks’ most exciting playmakers after being acquired in a midseason trade.

Although he played only nine games, he made a noticeable impact with 15 catches for 188 yards and several explosive special teams plays.

One moment in particular captured his value: a kickoff return touchdown in the divisional round against the San Francisco 49ers that electrified the stadium.

Shaheed’s speed and versatility make him an attractive option for teams across the league, meaning Seattle could face stiff competition to bring him back.

1️⃣ Kenneth Walker III — The Franchise Priority

At the top of the list sits running back Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP and one of the most important players in Seattle’s offense.

Walker has been a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ running attack since arriving in the league, and his playoff performances proved just how dangerous he can be.

His importance has only increased after backup running back Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL, which could sideline him for part of the 2026 season.

For a team that relies heavily on the ground game, losing Walker could severely damage the offense.

If Seattle hopes to defend its championship, keeping Walker may be the single most important move of the entire offseason.

Championship Teams Face Tough Choices

Winning a Super Bowl is the ultimate achievement in football—but it often comes with difficult consequences.

The Seahawks must now navigate the delicate balance between rewarding key contributors and managing their future salary cap.

Some players will stay. Others will move on.

But if Seattle wants to keep its championship window open, the decisions made in the coming months could be just as important as the plays that won them the Super Bowl.