The Seattle Seahawks have tendered exclusive rights deals to running back George Holani and safety Ty Okada as they prepare for the 2026 season, following their Super Bowl-winning campaign. On Monday, the team secured these two players, both exclusive rights free agents, to maintain continuity and depth within their roster as they aim to “run it back,” according to general manager and president of football operations John Schneider.
Exclusive rights free agents are players with two or fewer accrued NFL seasons whose contracts have expired. By tendering a one-year contract based on credited seasons, the Seahawks prevent Holani and Okada from negotiating with other teams, effectively keeping them under team control for the upcoming year.
Ty Okada’s Development and Role in Seattle’s Defense
Ty Okada, an undrafted free agent out of Montana State who joined the Seahawks in 2023, made significant strides during the 2025 season. After limited participation in his first two years—playing nine games without starts—Okada became an integral contributor in 2025. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games and earned 11 starts, showing his growing importance within Seattle’s defensive unit.
That season, Okada compiled 65 tackles, including three tackles for loss, added 1.5 sacks, one interception, six pass breakups, and recovered a fumble. His progression from an undrafted player to a starting safety reflects not only his talent but also the Seahawks’ ability to develop young defensive backs into key contributors.
George Holani’s Impact and Postseason Contributions
George Holani, another undrafted free agent but from Boise State in 2024, contributed steadily to the Seahawks’ offense and special teams despite an injury setback during the 2025 season. Holani appeared in 11 regular-season games before being placed on injured reserve, rushing for 73 yards and scoring one touchdown on 22 carries. Notably, his special teams play included a touchdown recovery of a kickoff in the end zone during a Week 2 victory in Pittsburgh.
Holani returned from injured reserve during the playoffs, stepping up as the team’s No. 2 running back after starter Zach Charbonnet suffered a knee injury in the divisional round. Holani played 47 snaps on offense across postseason wins against the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, rushing 10 yards on five carries and catching four passes for 34 yards. His ability to fill critical roles in both offense and special teams highlights his versatility and value to the Seahawks.
Context on Seahawks’ Strategic Roster Management
The Seahawks’ decision to tender exclusive rights offers to both Holani and Okada comes amid their efforts to maintain roster stability following their championship season. With a strong core of players such as quarterback Drew Lock, wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, linebacker Boye Mafe, and defensive tackle Mike Morris, the franchise is focused on blending veteran leadership with emerging talent.
John Schneider’s approach reflects a strategic emphasis on fostering homegrown talent and retaining promising young players without exposing them to the broader market, which is particularly important for maintaining depth and managing salary cap considerations.
Depth and Talent Across Seahawks’ 2025 Active Roster
The Seahawks’ 53-man active roster during the 2025 season included a wide array of impactful players distributed across offense, defense, and special teams. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and linebacker Drake Thomas added strength to the front seven, while safety Nick Emmanwori and cornerback Devon Witherspoon bolstered the secondary.
On offense, besides Holani and Charbonnet at running back, the Seahawks leaned on quarterbacks Jalen Milroe, Sam Darnold, and Drew Lock, complemented by tight ends Elijah Arroyo and AJ Barner. The offensive line featured stalwarts like Charles Cross, Abraham Lucas, and Olu Oluwatimi, integral to both pass protection and the running game.
Special teams also contributed with punter Michael Dickson and kicker Jason Myers providing consistency in field position and scoring opportunities. The depth across positions creates multiple options for coaching staff as they approach the new season with cautious optimism.
Significance of Retaining Holani and Okada for Seahawks’ Future
The exclusive rights tenders for George Holani and Ty Okada underscore the Seahawks’ commitment to nurturing their rising players ahead of the demanding 2026 campaign. Holani’s ability to carry the ball and contribute on special teams, combined with Okada’s significant defensive improvements, position them as foundational young athletes within the Seahawks’ system.
Retaining these players avoids potential disruption that losing key young depth could cause amid an already tense and uncertain roster environment. It also provides Seattle with reliable options should injuries affect their lineup again, as occurred with Zach Charbonnet.
As the Seahawks prepare to defend their Super Bowl title, maintaining a balance between established stars and developing talent like Holani and Okada will be essential to sustaining the success they achieved in 2025. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how the team integrates these players and what further roster decisions are made moving into the offseason and training camps.
