The Seahawks just won a Super Bowl… yet something feels off.
After the first wave of free agency, Seattle fans are asking the same uncomfortable question: Did the team just get worse?

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Seahawks Fans Are Asking the Same Question After Week One of Free Agency

The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2026 offseason as reigning Super Bowl champions. Expectations were sky-high, and fans assumed the team would aggressively reinforce its roster to defend the title.

Instead, the first week of free agency has left many members of the 12s scratching their heads.

The biggest question echoing around Seattle right now is simple:

Are the Seahawks actually better than they were last season?

At this moment, the honest answer appears to be no—at least not yet.

Seattle Lost More Talent Than It Added

Through the first stretch of free agency, Seattle has watched several key contributors walk out the door.

Among the most notable departures:

• Running back Kenneth Walker III
• Edge rusher Boye Mafe
• Cornerback Riq Woolen

Those players were major pieces of a championship roster.

In return, the Seahawks have only made a handful of relatively modest additions, including safety Rodney Thomas II and running back Emanuel Wilson.

While both players could contribute, neither move carries the type of impact fans expected after a title run.

That imbalance has led many observers to believe Seattle’s roster is currently weaker than it was in 2025.

The NFC West Makes the Situation Even Harder

If the Seahawks played in almost any other division, the situation might not feel so concerning.

But the NFC West is one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.

The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams remain elite competitors, and both teams are expected to improve heading into next season.

San Francisco, in particular, dealt with numerous injuries last year. Simply returning to full health could make the 49ers significantly stronger.

That means the margin between first place and third place in the division could be razor thin.

Even a small step backward could push Seattle down the standings.

Running Back Could Become a Serious Problem

Losing Kenneth Walker already created a hole in Seattle’s offense.

Unfortunately, things might get even more complicated.

Backup running back Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL during the playoffs, and there is a strong chance he could miss the beginning of the 2026 season.

That leaves Seattle with limited depth at one of the most physically demanding positions in football.

Signing Emanuel Wilson helps, but it likely won’t be enough.

Many analysts believe the Seahawks will need to draft another running back to stabilize the position before the season begins.

The Pass Rush Also Needs Help

Another area of concern is the defensive line.

With Boye Mafe gone, Seattle’s edge rush unit has taken a noticeable hit.

If veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence were to retire or miss significant time, the situation could become even more serious.

Seattle may look to add another edge rusher before the season starts, but the free-agent market currently lacks many elite options.

That means the NFL Draft may be the team’s best opportunity to fill the gap.

However, with the Seahawks scheduled to pick No. 32 overall, many of the top defensive prospects could already be off the board.

Why Seahawks Fans Still Have Some Hope

Despite the concerns, there are still reasons for optimism in Seattle.

Head coach Mike Macdonald has already proven he can develop players and turn overlooked talent into productive contributors.

His coaching style has consistently elevated defenders who weren’t previously considered stars.

Seattle could also explore veteran options still available on the market.

One name that has quietly surfaced as a possibility is Jadeveon Clowney, who previously worked with Macdonald during their time together in Baltimore.

Clowney enjoyed a strong season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 and could provide immediate help if Seattle chooses to pursue him.

The Offseason Is Far From Over

Right now, the Seahawks appear to have lost more talent than they’ve added.

But the NFL offseason is a long process.

Free agency is only one piece of the puzzle, and the draft could dramatically reshape the roster in just a few weeks.

For now, though, Seahawks fans are left with a nagging feeling.

The defending champions may still be contenders—but after the first wave of free agency, the path back to the top suddenly looks much harder.