The Seattle Seahawks have swiftly returned to prominence in the NFL, capturing the Super Bowl in just two years under new leadership. Central to their immediate success is quarterback Sam Darnold, whose contract extension will be crucial for maintaining the team’s upward trajectory as they prepare for the 2026 season.
After losing Super Bowl XLVIII eleven years ago and coming close to a repeat title, Seattle experienced a period marked by inconsistency and rebuilding. Pete Carroll’s tenure, which promised continued dominance with a strong defense and young quarterback Russell Wilson, saw a sharp decline following a 7-10 season in 2021 and the eventual trade of Wilson. The period that followed saw moments of promise under Geno Smith but no sustained playoff success, culminating in Carroll’s departure after a four-year playoff victory drought.
Mike Macdonald’s arrival as head coach initiated a dramatic transformation. Drawing from his defensive expertise with the Ravens and instilling a new offensive vision by 2025, Macdonald led the Seahawks from mediocrity to Super Bowl champions. The Seahawks’ dominance is underscored by their impressive +246 point differential—the best among Super Bowl winners since the 1999 St. Louis Rams. Offensively and defensively, they ranked third and first in scoring respectively, while their postseason point differential per game of +18.3 is unmatched since the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Replacing the Offensive Coordinator Will Shape Seattle’s Offensive Identity
As the Seahawks look ahead to the offseason, hiring a new offensive coordinator is a top priority. Since Macdonald became head coach, Seattle has seen two offensive coordinators depart in quick succession. Ryan Grubb, previously with Washington’s offense, initially brought a pass-heavy system favoring high passing rates, but was let go after one season due to differing offensive philosophies with Macdonald.
It’s really as simple as just I felt like the direction our offense was gong was different than the vision that I had for our team, and it felt like it was just a necessary decision at this point,
Macdonald said.
Klint Kubiak, Macdonald’s second hire, introduced a quarterback-friendly approach with significant under-center and play-action elements, aligning well with Darnold’s strengths from his time with Minnesota. Following Kubiak’s move to become the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach, Seattle may consider internal candidates such as quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, who has experience alongside Kubiak in New Orleans and Minnesota, or Rick Dennison, who has previous offensive coordinator experience. External candidates include Nate Scheelhaase from the Rams, who utilizes similar offensive concepts and could take on a full-time playcalling role in Seattle, unlike his current position under Sean McVay.
Securing Sam Darnold’s Future Through Contract Negotiations
Sam Darnold’s performance during the Super Bowl was steady, marked by zero turnovers in the postseason despite a turbulent regular season where he led the league with 20 turnovers. His initial three-year, $100.5 million contract, signed last offseason, included a $15 million guaranteed roster bonus for the upcoming year which gave Seattle flexibility to move on if necessary. Given the team’s success and Darnold’s growth, discussions about a contract extension are imminent.
Currently earning $33.5 million annually, placing him 18th among NFL quarterbacks, Darnold is just 28 years old with two Pro Bowl selections and now a Super Bowl ring. His role as a pivotal figure on a championship-caliber team strongly points toward a new deal to keep the quarterback at the helm for the foreseeable future.
Key Decisions Loom on Kenneth Walker III and Other Free Agents
Running back Kenneth Walker III emerged as a standout in Seattle’s playoff run, stepping up following Zach Charbonnet’s ACL injury. Averaging 139 yards from scrimmage per postseason game and scoring four touchdowns—nearly matching his regular-season tally—Walker proved indispensable. Known for his ability to break tackles, matching only Bijan Robinson for tackle avoidance this season, Walker combines patience, speed, and power. At 25, he is expected to demand a lucrative contract, though he has expressed a desire to stay in Seattle.
Walker’s potential departure would leave a significant hole, especially with Charbonnet recovering from injury. As the first running back since the 21st century to win Super Bowl MVP, his upcoming free agency is the most prominent for Seattle. The Seahawks also face decisions on several other key players including Rashid Shaheed (WR/KR/PR), cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen, linebacker Drake Thomas, edge rusher Boye Mafe, and safety Coby Bryant. At ages between 25 and 27, these contributors form the core of Seattle’s roster.
Financially, the Seahawks are well-positioned—ranked sixth in effective salary cap space—thanks largely to rookie contracts and undervalued free agent acquisitions outperforming their contracts. While the team aims to retain many key players, it recognizes that it cannot keep everyone.
Contract Talks Expected for Rising Stars Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon
General manager John Schneider has been instrumental in building two Super Bowl-winning teams, highlighted by his strong drafting strategy. The 2023 first-round selections Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon are poised for contract extensions following their impactful rookie seasons. Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards while Witherspoon is regarded as one of the league’s top cornerbacks.
Seattle recently secured significant contract extensions for left tackle Charles Cross—the largest in team history just before the playoffs—and right tackle Abraham Lucas prior to the 2025 season. With the 2023 draft class establishing itself so quickly, negotiations for Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon will be a major focus in the upcoming offseason.
Continuing Success Hinges on Strong Draft Strategy
The Seahawks boast flexibility in the upcoming draft, which could be crucial depending on free agency outcomes. The team might prioritize strengthening the offensive line interior, building on the success of Grey Zabel’s addition in 2025. Defensive needs could emerge if cornerbacks or edge rushers depart, especially since the Seahawks, while dominant at pressuring quarterbacks, lack a definitive pass-rush leader.
The draft may also offer opportunities to enhance offensive weapons supporting Darnold’s growth. Schneider’s track record of discovering impactful contributors early and late in drafts over the past four years sets high expectations for continued success in 2026.
Seattle’s trajectory under Mike Macdonald combines a revitalized defense with a calibrated offense centered around Sam Darnold. The quarterback’s contract extension represents a pivotal juncture; securing his long-term commitment is fundamental to sustaining championship aspirations and capitalizing on the carefully assembled roster and coaching staff. The decisions made this offseason will define the Seahawks’ ability to remain a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.
