The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl 60 championship, are preparing for notable roster changes as several key players approach free agency. With the focus on finding a Riq Woolen free agency replacement, the team is considering cornerback Chris Johnson from San Diego State in the 2026 NFL Draft to ensure their defense remains dominant.
Following a season in which the Seahawks exceeded expectations, largely thanks to quarterback Sam Darnold’s standout performance, the organization is intent on maintaining its position near the top of the league despite coaching and personnel shifts.
Defense Remains a Priority Amid Offseason Changes
As offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak departed to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, there are concerns about potential setbacks for the Seahawks’ offense. Despite this, the team’s defense reached impressive heights last season, ranking third on PFSN’s Defense Impact metric. Meanwhile, their offense was bolstered by a remarkable campaign from wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, placing them in the top ten offensively as well.
Analyst Cameron Sheath of PFSN argues that strengthening the Seahawks’ defense is vital to offset any offensive regression this upcoming season. With Mike Macdonald’s innovative defensive schemes at the helm, Seattle is positioned to stay competitive if they address certain gaps carefully.
Chris Johnson Emerges as Ideal Cornerback Target in 2026 Draft
One of the Seahawks’ pressing concerns is the looming departure of cornerback Riq Woolen through free agency, a player ranked 27th on PFSN’s CB Impact list. To fill this void while managing salary cap constraints, the team is eyeing Chris Johnson, a standout cornerback who left a strong impression last season at San Diego State.
Johnson demonstrated exceptional coverage skills as one of college football’s premier corners, accumulating nine pass breakups and four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. His exceptional coverage allowed opposing quarterbacks a passer rating of just 16.1 when targeting him. Additionally, Johnson has proven himself as a reliable tackler, logging 116 tackles over his final two college years.
The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning defense has some holes to fill this offseason, and San Diego State’s Chris Johnson would be a great fit.
Beyond coverage, Johnson’s versatility was clear in 2025 when he recorded his first career sack and added three tackles for loss, highlighting his ability to impact the game in multiple ways defensively.
Johnson is a proven lockdown outside corner, tallying 9 pass breakups and 4 interceptions (including 2 pick-sixes) last season, while allowing a measly 16.1 passer rating. He contributed as a tackler, too, and is credited with 116 tackles over his final two years in college.
In 2025, he tallied his first career sack, as well as 3 tackles for loss, to add to his stellar work in coverage.
His profile fits the aggressive secondary play under coach Mike Macdonald, who used blitzes effectively in the Super Bowl to pressure quarterbacks like Drake Maye of the New England Patriots. Johnson’s demonstrated ability to thrive in such complex defensive schemes could make him a seamless addition.
Potential Impact of Adding Chris Johnson on Seahawks’ Defense
Replacing a player of Woolen’s caliber is a challenge, but Johnson offers an opportunity not only to plug that gap but also to do so economically. His combination of lockdown coverage and playmaking in key moments poses a real chance to keep the Seahawks’ secondary formidable for years to come.
With Seattle’s salary cap situation demanding smart decisions, targeting a cornerback who can immediately contribute without breaking the bank aligns with their long-term strategy. Johnson’s college production and versatility provide confidence that he can transition to the NFL level and help preserve the Seahawks’ defensive strength as they pursue another dominant run.
