🔥 HOT NEWS: Seattle preparing for potential Lawrence retirement with edge upgrade ⚡

They just won the Super Bowl.
So why are the Seahawks already planning for life after a defensive legend?

Because the next move could define the dynasty.

Rewritten Article (Dramatic & Engaging Version)

When you’re picking No. 32 overall, it usually means one thing:

You just won it all.

The Seattle Seahawks enter the 2026 NFL Draft fresh off a Super Bowl title, with a roster that doesn’t scream for immediate fixes. There are no glaring holes. No panic buttons to press.

But championship teams don’t draft for today.

They draft for tomorrow.

And tomorrow might not include DeMarcus Lawrence.

The 34-year-old defensive end is reportedly contemplating retirement after finally capturing a Super Bowl ring. Even if he returns for one more run, Seattle knows the clock is ticking on one of its veteran anchors.

That’s why the latest mock draft from Yahoo! Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald sends a clear message:

Prepare now.

Enter Cashius Howell

With the final pick in the first round, McDonald projects the Seahawks to select Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell — a 6-foot-2, 253-pound disruptor who just boosted his stock at the NFL Scouting Combine.

“The Seahawks have hit the ‘no-clue-let’s-mock-them-a-pass-rusher’ level in their roster building,” McDonald wrote, noting Seattle’s roster flexibility allows them to add strength to strength.

Translation: when you’re this complete, you add weapons.

Howell fits the bill.

After beginning his college career at Bowling Green, he transferred to Texas A&M and flourished. In his final season, he posted 11.5 sacks and six pass deflections — consistently harassing quarterbacks in the SEC.

Then came Indianapolis.

Howell clocked a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, including an explosive 1.58-second 10-yard split — a key metric for edge rushers who win with burst off the line.

Speed. Production. Upside.

That’s a first-round profile.

A Luxury Pick — Or a Smart One?

Seattle’s defensive line is already formidable. Adding Howell wouldn’t be about desperation.

It would be about insurance.

If Lawrence retires, the Seahawks avoid scrambling. If he returns, Howell develops under veteran guidance in one of the NFL’s most aggressive defensive systems.

There’s refinement needed — particularly against the run — but that’s where Seattle’s structure helps. He wouldn’t need to be “the guy” on Day 1. He’d rotate, learn, and attack obvious passing downs.

That’s how contenders sustain dominance.

The Bigger Draft Puzzle

Seattle also faces potential departures in free agency. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III headlines that list. In the secondary, Josh Jobe, Coby Bryant, and Riq Woolen could also walk.

There are options at No. 32.

But championship teams rarely regret adding pass rushers.

Pressure travels. Pressure ages well. Pressure wins in January.

And if DeMarcus Lawrence is nearing the end, Seattle’s front office may already be thinking two steps ahead.

Because dynasties aren’t built on reacting.

They’re built on anticipating.

Cashius Howell might not be a flashy headline pick.

But he could be the next chapter in Seattle’s defensive dominance.