The Seattle Seahawks tendered exclusive rights free agents Ty Okada and George Holani on Monday as part of their roster moves heading into the new season. This step ensures the team retains both players, who are key contributors with limited accrued seasons, strengthening their depth as they aim to maintain competitive performance.
Understanding Exclusive Rights Free Agency and Its Impact
Exclusive rights free agents like Okada and Holani are players with two or fewer accrued NFL seasons and expiring contracts. When tendered a one-year contract based on their credited seasons, these players cannot negotiate with other teams. This designation enables the Seahawks to keep promising talent without competition from other franchises, supporting roster continuity as General Manager John Schneider indicated during the recent Scouting Combine.
Ty Okada’s Contributions and Development with the Seahawks
Ty Okada, who joined the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent from Montana State in 2023, has gradually increased his role. Although he did not start in his initial nine games across two seasons, Okada played all 17 games in 2025, including 11 starts. Over that season, he amassed 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six passes defensed, one interception, three tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery, demonstrating steady defensive progress.
George Holani’s Role and Postseason Involvement
George Holani, signed in 2024 out of Boise State, featured in 11 games during the 2025 season. He posted 73 rushing yards and one touchdown on 22 carries before an injury led to a stint on injured reserve. Holani also scored on special teams by recovering a kickoff in the end zone during a Week 2 victory in Pittsburgh. After returning for the playoffs, he assumed the No. 2 running back position following Zach Charbonnet’s knee injury, playing 47 offensive snaps and contributing 10 rushing yards and 34 receiving yards across wins over the Rams and Patriots.
Team’s Roster Strategy and Future Outlook
By tendering exclusive rights contracts to Okada and Holani, the Seahawks are securing young players with potential as they move forward with a familiar core. Retaining such contributors is vital to their strategy of continuity and depth on defense and offense, which was emphasized by Schneider at the scouting event. These moves set the foundation for Seattle as they prepare for upcoming challenges and aim to build on last season’s successes.
