RSS Seahawks Team Notes

[Seattle Seahawks]

Why the Seahawks are to be sold after Super Bowl 2026

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 25: General view as the Los Angeles Rams huddle before a play during the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 25, 2026 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The calendar has flipped to February, and on the 12th anniversary of the Seattle Seahawks 43-8 Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos, the team is once again set to play for the world championship.

In addition to taking on the New England Patriots with the Lombardi Trophy on the line, a report from ESPN indicates that the Seahawks are set to be sold this offseason, more than seven years after the death of Paul Allen. In the years since Allen’s passing the team has been owned by the Paul G. Allen Living Trust, while under the direction of his sister Jody, just as Paul laid out in his will.

The fact that the team is held in a trust is not an issue in and of itself, as team owners regularly use trusts to facilitate the transfer of team ownership. There is no shortage of such examples, including former New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson passing the team on to his wife Gayle, Pat Bowlen transferring ownership of the Broncos and all the way back to Lamar Hunt of the then AFC West rivals Kansas City Chiefs using a series of trusts to pass ownership of the team to his kids.

However, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal on Saturday, what is an issue in the case of the Seahawks is that there is not a single “controlling owner” as the NFL requires, which allegedly contributed to the NFL issuing a fine of $5M.

New: Frustration has mounted for years within the NFL that the Seahawks hadn’t sold after Paul Allen’s death, with the team out of compliance with league ownership rules. The team had been quietly fined $5 million. A sale is expected post Super Bowl. https://t.co/fs5YBxYmMz

— Andrew Beaton (@andrewlbeaton) January 31, 2026

Whether or not the league, or the other owners, are pushing for the Seahawks to be sold, the reality is that from a valuation standpoint, from a value perspective, it’s not a bad time to sell the team, with franchise valuations the highest they have ever been.

The rapid increase in team valuations was only accelerated after 2021, when the 2020 collective bargaining agreement and new broadcast contracts came into effect.

The 2020 CBA is important because the owners easily came out ahead financially in a second consecutive round of negotiations roughly a year before signing very lucrative new broadcast contracts.

In addition, while the CBA provides for a roughly even revenue split between the owners and players, the players have to divide their portion of the revenues amongst the thousands of current players, along with several thousand former players in the form of pensions, limited post-career health insurance and other post-playing days benefits. On the flip side, the owners don’t have nearly as many hands in the pot, which helps explain the accelerated appreciation of NFL franchises since 2021.

Specifically, in the 15 years since the 2011 CBA was adopted on the eve of the 2011 season, the average value of NFL teams has increased at a rate of 13.7% per year. That is, unquestionably, an impressive number, but from 2011 through 2021, the average team value increased at just 12.8% annually, while in the years since 2021 they have increased at an average of a whopping 19.6% per year.

That kind of appreciation certainly makes an NFL team an attractive investment, but just as the 2020 CBA and the current broadcast contracts have made for hefty returns, they are not eternal. The current CBA is already half over, and there is no guarantee the players won’t do better for themselves at the bargaining table next time around. Likewise, while the NFL currently dominates the airwaves and the list of most watched broadcasts, that could certainly change between now and when the next broadcast contracts are awarded.

Now, it’s certainly very likely that team valuations will continue to increase, so selling now could be leaving billions on the table. However, with the end of the current CBA just over the horizon, the potential for labor unrest in the next round of negotiations on top of the headaches of dealing with pressure from the league to sell the team, a sale makes sense. Add in that according to the estimates from Forbes the value of the Seahawks franchise has increased by more than 150% since Paul’s death, it’s not difficult to make a strong case for selling.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...per-bowl-2026-seattle-seahawks-sale-explainer

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

ESPN ranks Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald as NFL’s third-best head coaching hire since 2021

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Head coach Mike MacDonald of the Seattle Seahawks looks on after defeating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won 31-27. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With all of the buzz surrounding NFL head coaching hires (particularly around the Las Vegas Raiders hiring Seattle Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak), it is only natural to wonder how certain hirings will stack up compared to others. Will these new hires produce results quickly? Will the teams be better off than they were before the new coaches came to town? Will these coaches be able to guide their teams to championship glory, or at the very least, consistent playoff contention?

Second-year Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has answered nearly all of these questions with an affirmative yes so far. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell seemed to agree, ranking Seattle’s hiring of Macdonald as the third-best NFL head coaching hire since 2021. Only Detroit’s Dan Campbell and Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni were ranked higher, with the former guiding the Lions to their first playoff win in over 30 years and the latter taking the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances and one championship.

In 2024, Macdonald took over a team that had reached the playoffs just once in the previous three seasons, repeatedly struggling against the likes of the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West. Macdonald has left a sizable imprint on the Seahawks through his first two seasons with the organization, taking Seattle from the middle of the pack to one of the best in the league.

The Seahawks won a franchise best 14 games during the regular season, going all the way to Super Bowl 60 with wins over the aforementioned 49ers and Rams in their first two playoff games. Macdonald has provided a fresh voice to his team’s locker room, helping to construct one of the fiercest units in the NFL in a very short amount of time.

Seattle boasts one of the toughest all-around units the league has to offer, ending the 2025 regular season with both the fewest points allowed on defense and a top-three scoring offense. Contrast this to where the Seahawks were two years ago: 17th in points scored (21.4 per game) and 25th in points against (23.6/game); if you were looking for a new head coach, wouldn’t you consider bringing in Macdonald?

These results are not isolated to his time in Seattle, either—in year one as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator in 2022, Macdonald flipped his unit from 19th to third in points allowed. He only went up from here in 2023, with the Ravens’ defense letting up a league-low 16.5 points per game, surrendering 30 points in a game on only two occasions that year.

Defensive prowess aside, Macdonald has played a part in assisting several of his players to some of their best years on the gridiron. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had an otherworldly 2025, finishing with a league-best 1,793 receiving yards and becoming the first wideout in franchise history to eclipse 100 receptions in a year. In addition, Sam Darnold was able to continue his success from his time in Minneapolis, justifying the Geno Smith trade with a career-best 67.7 completion percentage and a year largely on par with his one-year stint with the Vikings.

Other noteworthy names include Devon Witherspoon, Ernest Jones IV, Leonard Williams, and trade deadline acquisition Rashid Shaheed, all of whom earned All-Pro selections this season. Williams was particularly impressive, tying for the team lead in sacks (7.0) while starting all 17 games for Seattle en route to his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

Needless to say, this is not a one-man show. Macdonald has built a team that has been characterized by players who step up when they need to and get the team in position to win football games. Day in and day out, they play hard for one another, all with one common goal in mind—to claim the heralded Vince Lombardi Trophy. This certainly makes up for Barnwell’s primary criticism of Macdonald, which had to do with his play-calling on fourth down.

All in all, Macdonald has been nothing short of a success thus far, bringing football in the Emerald City to the verge of gridiron prestige once again. Not every first-time head coach can say that they have led their team to the Super Bowl within two years while also boasting one of the league’s best defenses.

There’s only one thing left to do on Sunday—win the whole thing.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...donald-nfl-third-best-head-coaching-hire-2021

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks Reacts Survey: If Seattle wins Super Bowl 2026, who gets the MVP?

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks and Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots look on during Super Bowl LX Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Seahawks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

It’s time for the Super Bowl edition of Seahawks Reacts!

No, you’re not getting a confidence poll. Seattle is in the Super Bowl, for crying out loud! We’ll have the weekly confidence question returning later this month.

There are only two questions to answer in this week’s survey, one much easier than the other. The first one is obviously your pick to win it all. Will the Seattle Seahawks get sweet revenge on the New England Patriots, or will the Patriots pull off the upset and win their first Super Bowl without Tom Brady?

The next question is entirely focused on if the Seahawks win the Super Bowl. Who would be the game’s MVP? Sam Darnold is the obvious favorite because it’s rare for non-quarterbacks to win the award these days, but lest we forget Seattle’s lone Super Bowl win saw Malcolm Smith (somewhat controversially) take MVP honors. The top three options on offense are Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Kenneth Walker III, while the options on defense are Devon Witherspoon, Leonard Williams, and Ernest Jones. We can’t have a deluge of options, so “Other” will have to suffice for anyone I’ve left out like, say, one-time Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp. If you say “Other” then please specify in the comments!

Vote below!

Check back on Saturday not just for our team results, but what the national survey respondents think about the Super Bowl!

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...seattle-wins-super-bowl-2026-who-gets-the-mvp

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Super Bowl 2026: The updated Seattle Seahawks 53-man roster

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 17: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks have made what is likely their final regular season roster change of the 2025 NFL season. Rookie tackle Amari Kight has been placed on injured reserve, while special teams ace and reserve linebacker Chazz Surratt is back from his IR stint.

Barring injury or some other reason to sign someone on emergency, the roster entering Wednesday’s practice will be the roster for Super Bowl Sunday. For a refresher on who’s on the active roster (i.e. not on injured reserve or the practice squad), this post should come in handy.

Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl 53-man roster​

Offense (25)​

Quarterback (3)​

• No. 14 – Sam Darnold
• No. 2 – Drew Lock
• No. 6 – Jalen Milroe

Running Back (2)​

• No. 9 – Kenneth Walker III
• No. 36 – George Holani

Fullback (2)​

• No. 40 – Robbie Ouzts
• No. 38 – Brady Russell

Wide Receivers (5)​

• No. 11 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba
• No. 10 – Cooper Kupp
• No. 22 – Rashid Shaheed
• No. 19 – Jake Bobo
• No. 83 – Dareke Young

Tight End (4)​

• No. 88 – A.J Barner
• No. 81 – Eric Saubert
• No. 89 – Nick Kallerup
• No. 18 – Elijah Arroyo

Offensive Line (9)​

• No. 67 – Charles Cross (left tackle)
• No. 72 – Abe Lucas (right tackle)
• No. 76 – Grey Zabel (left guard)
• No. 75 – Anthony Bradford (right guard)
• No. 61 – Jalen Sundell (center)
• No. 55 – Olu Oluwatimi (center)
• No. 74 – Josh Jones (tackle)
• No. 64 – Christian Haynes (guard/center)
• No. 78 – Mason Richman (guard/tackle)

Defense (25)​

Defensive Line (6)​

• No. 99 – Leonard Williams
• No. 91 – Byron Murphy II
• No. 90 – Jarran Reed
• No. 95 – Brandon Pili
• No. 98 – Rylie Mills
• No. 94 – Mike Morris

Outside Linebacker (6)​

• No. 7 – Uchenna Nwosu
• No. 58 – Derick Hall
• No. 53 – Boye Mafe
• No. 0 – DeMarcus Lawrence
• No. 57 – Connor O’Toole
• No. 51 – Jared Ivey

Inside Linebacker (5)​

• No. 13 – Ernest Jones IV
• No. 42 – Drake Thomas
• No. 48 – Tyrice Knight
• No. 52 – Patrick O’Connell
• No. 44 – Chazz Surratt

Cornerback (4)​

• No. 21 – Devon Witherspoon
• No. 29 – Josh Jobe
• No. 27 – Riq Woolen
• No. 28 – Nehemiah Pritchett

Safety (4)​

• No. 20 – Julian Love
• No. 8 – Coby Bryant
• No. 39 – Ty Okada
• No. 3 – Nick Emmanwori

Special Teams (3)​

• No. 4 – Michael Dickson (punter)
• No. 5 – Jason Myers (kicker)
• No. 41 – Chris Stoll (long snapper)

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...l-2026-updated-seattle-seahawks-53-man-roster

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks star Nick Emmanwori injures ankle in Wednesday Super Bowl practice

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Nick Emmanwori #3 of the Seattle Seahawks speaks to the media ahead of Super Bowl LX at the San Jose Convention Center on February 04, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Is unwanted history already repeating for the Seattle Seahawks?

A largely encouraging Seahawks injury report following Wednesday’s practice for Super Bowl 60 against the New England Patriots included a limited participant designation for rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori. The severity was unknown and he wasn’t on last week’s injury report before the team flew out to San Jose.

Unfortunately, Emmanwori’s injury occurred during the non-padded portion of practice. Practices are closed off to the media, with general summaries provided by pool reporters. Seahawks pool reporter Kalyn Kahler had the following summary:

The rookie safety injured his ankle while defending a pass late in practice. He walked off the field on his own shortly before 4 p.m. Several players and coaches went over to comfort him before he left.

“He had an ankle today, we brought him in to look at it, and we’ll kind of go from here and figure out what are the next steps?” Macdonald said.

This is eerily reminiscent to when Seahawks legend Kam Chancellor tore his MCL in practice two days before Seattle’s Super Bowl 49 defeat to the Patriots.

Emmanwori has had a few ankle issues this season, including a sprain a few plays into his NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers that resulted in missing the ensuing four games.

It is arguably not an exaggeration to say the Seahawks wouldn’t be in the Super Bowl without Nick’s outstanding play in the NFC Championship Game. His two passes defensed before halftime allowed Seattle to get the ball back and score a go-ahead touchdown, from which they would never relinquish the lead again.

Seattle returns to the practice field on Tuesday at 2:15 pm PT, but there will undoubtedly be more questions for Macdonald—not that he’s obligated to answer in great detail, never mind he may not even have the pertinent information by then—on one of the most important players on the Seahawks defense. His presence allows the Seahawks to stay in nickel defense as a default base formation, and without him that means things will have to change.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...emmanwori-injures-ankle-in-wednesday-practice

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Super Bowl 2026 preview: Patriots players the Seattle Seahawks should be wary of

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) celebrates a sack in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

For Seattle Seahawks fans, the discourse throughout Super Bowl week tends to follow a predictable script: talk about the quarterback, the primary pass rusher, the star corner. But more often than not, Super Bowls are not decided solely by the most recognizable names. Malcolm Smith was the MVP of Super Bowl 48. Drake Thomas isn’t exactly a household name for opposing fanbases and has been a key player.

The New England Patriots arrive at this matchup backed by a core of players executing at a very high technical level. Mike Vrabel deserves real credit here — not just for restoring key pieces, but for building three strong, coherent units that consistently win at the snap level.

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Drake Maye – Quarterback​

Maye finishes the season as the clear axis of New England’s offense and a legitimate MVP candidate. He eclipsed 4,000 passing yards, threw over 30 touchdowns, and kept his interception total firmly under double digits. What stands out on tape isn’t just the arm strength — though it’s very real — but the maturity with which he diagnoses rotating coverages. Against Cover 3 and Match looks, Maye is patient, forces linebackers to declare, and attacks intermediate windows with excellent timing. When pressured, he adds value with his legs, creating yards and touchdowns outside of structure. For Seattle, that means pressure without proper contain quickly turns into an invitation for off-script explosives.

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Rhamondre Stevenson – Running Back​

Stevenson may no longer put up elite volume numbers, but he remains extremely efficient, finishing the year with 600+ rushing yards and seven touchdowns, particularly surging in the second half of the season. His real value shows up in pass protection. Stevenson consistently identifies blitzes, anchors against linebackers, and allows New England to keep longer-developing concepts alive on third down. In big games, that skill set is invaluable. Against a physical Seahawks defense, he’s the type of back who doesn’t disappear when the game tightens.

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TreVeyon Henderson – Running Back​

Henderson brings what Stevenson does not: pure explosion. He flirted with 1,000 rushing yards, maintained a strong yards-per-carry average, and logged multiple runs of 15+ yards throughout the season. His acceleration at the second level forces safeties into quick (and often poor) decisions. Henderson also contributes in the passing game, turning swings and screens into extensions of the run game. For Seattle, he’s a constant warning sign: one bad angle can turn into seven points.

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Hunter Henry – Tight End​

Henry finished the season with 60 receptions, 700+ yards, and seven touchdowns, but raw production doesn’t fully capture his importance. He’s Maye’s preferred target on third downs and in the red zone. On tape, Henry repeatedly finds space versus zone coverage, settling routes directly into the quarterback’s throwing window. Against a defense that frequently exchanges responsibilities in the middle of the field, Henry acts as an offensive stabilizer — he may not explode games open, but he prevents the offense from stalling.

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Christian Gonzalez – Cornerback​

Gonzalez is the kind of cornerback who reshapes game plans. He allowed under 55% completions into his coverage, surrendered very few explosive plays, and finished the year with elite totals in interceptions and pass breakups — despite being routinely avoided by opposing quarterbacks. On film, he plays press coverage with rare patience, trusts his hips, and almost never requires safety help over the top. For Seattle, isolating receivers against Gonzalez is often a bet against the math.

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Marcus Jones – Cornerback / Returner​

Jones logged roughly 60 tackles, key interceptions, and had a direct impact on special teams with multiple touchdown returns. What makes him dangerous is his rapid processing of short routes and his aggressive closing ability. On punts, any ball in space becomes a real threat. In a tightly contested Super Bowl, Jones is exactly the kind of player who can flip momentum on a snap that never appears in the offensive or defensive game plan.

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Christian Barmore – Defensive Line​

Barmore wrapped up the season with around eight sacks and an even higher number of interior pressures. But once again, the impact exceeds the box score. He wins quickly inside, collapses the pocket, and forces quarterbacks off their launch points. Against offenses that rely on intermediate passing concepts, that interior disruption breaks timing entirely. If Seattle can’t neutralize him inside, the offense risks living in third-and-long all night.

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The Patriots’ real danger lies beyond the obvious names​

Khyiris Tonga – Defensive Tackle​

This is a name that barely appears in national previews. Tonga doesn’t rack up sacks — his stats are modest in that department — but he was instrumental against the run, consistently occupying double teams and recording dozens of stops. On tape, his work allows linebackers to play clean. Against an offense that likes to run between the tackles, Tonga is the kind of player who disappears from the stat sheet precisely because he’s doing his job correctly.

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Robert Spillane – Linebacker​

Spillane led the defense with 95+ total tackles, added tackles for loss, and contributed as a blitzer. He serves as the defense’s communicator, aligning fronts and reacting quickly to RPOs. In short coverage, he closes hook and curl zones fast, limiting yards after catch. For Seattle, that means fewer easy completions and more pressure to win one-on-one down the field. Spillane could be an injury question mark after not practicing on Wednesday.

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Craig Woodson – Safety​

Woodson finished the year with roughly 80 tackles and a heavy snap count. He’s not a classic ball hawk, but he’s extremely disciplined. Rarely out of position, he contributes both in run support and deep zone coverage. He’s the type of safety who never makes headlines — and dramatically reduces defensive errors in big games.

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Jaylinn Hawkins – Safety​

Hawkins adds experience to the back end, tallying 60+ tackles and delivering steady play in deep coverage. He rarely gambles unnecessarily, keeping the defensive ceiling intact. Against play-action and deep crossing routes, his presence limits explosives — exactly the kind of detail that decides tight Super Bowls.

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Final Thoughts​

The Patriots facing the Seahawks are not built around a single superstar. This is a layered roster, where underrated players uphold the structure and allow the stars to shine at the right moments. For Seattle, the challenge isn’t just slowing down Drake Maye or avoiding Christian Gonzalez; it’s winning the margins against players like Tonga, Spillane, and Marcus Jones. These are names that don’t dominate headlines, but they dominate snaps.

In Super Bowls, the team with the most stars rarely wins. More often, the team that makes the fewest mistakes does. And in that regard, the Patriots are every bit as dangerous as any opponent Seattle could face.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...layers-the-seattle-seahawks-should-be-wary-of

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

NFL Honors 2026: Jaxon Smith-Njigba wins OPOY, Mike Macdonald 3rd for COTY

You’ve got the Grammys, you’ve got the Golden Globes, you’ve got the Razzies. But Thursday night, we’ve got the NFL Honors. As Seattle Seahawks fans, we had a a bit of juice invested, whether you knew so or not.

Our squad started the evening with five nominations, including Mike Macdonald for Coach of the Year, Klint Kubiak for Assistant Coach of the Year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba for Offensive Player of the Year, Nick Emmanwori for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Mr. Smith-Njigba again for FedEx Ground Player of the Year.

To the surprise of the haters, and no one else, Rockwall’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba took home the Offensive Player of the Year, most deservedly. With almost 1800 yards receiving on the 2025 season, and a punctuated, nearly perfect performance against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game, Jaxon Smith-Njigba left literally no doubt of his unique capabilities. He played so well this season that memories of DK Metcalf seem hazy now, lost in a sea of proclamations and potential. Smith-Njigba answered all the critics and skepticism with a season so dreamy, it’s now become the norm. Surprisingly, Christian McCaffrey finished second over Puka Nacua.

He’s the man. And I think I speak for every ‘Hawks fan everywhere when I say that we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next season. Plus, his slam dunk goal post celebration was tough as hell. Period.

On a secondary, and no less important note, newly enrolled X-Men member Nick Emmanwori went second in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year (which makes me defensive, although Carson Schwesinger had a pretty good season). Nick’s future seems bright and we’ve got to wear shades like Cyclops. Minus the Cyclops whiny attitude, tho.

Coach Mac went third in voting for Coach of the Year behind Liam Coen and winner Mike Vrabel. But you know, like a teenage goth in a phase, Mike does not care. He’s Number One in our hearts, through and through. Absolutely. We are very lucky to have him.

Finally, Klint Kubiak, soon-to-be new HC (soon to be Ex-Head Coach) of the Las Vegas Raiders went fourth in Assistant Coach of the Year voting. He probably deserved a better showing. But, none the less, so long, Mr. Kubiak. And thanks for all the fish.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-njigba-wins-opoy-mike-macdonald-3rd-for-cpoy

 

[JJ]

OH MAN where do I even start with this Seahawks Super Bowl stuff?!

First off - GOOD FOR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA getting that OPOY award! Kid absolutely balled out this year. 1800 yards receiving is INSANE. But let's be real here, this is exactly why you don't panic trade away talent when things don't click immediately. Everyone was ready to call him a bust after year one and now look at him. OPOY. Unreal.

Now about that MVP question if Seattle wins... look, I know the obvious answer is Sam Darnold because QBs always get the love, but honestly? If JSN goes off like he did against the Rams in the NFCCG, you GOTTA give it to him. The dude is playing at a different level right now. Although knowing how these things go, Darnold will probably throw for 250 yards and 2 TDs and they'll hand him the trophy anyway. Classic.

The Emmanwori ankle thing has me NERVOUS though. You guys remember what happened with Kam Chancellor before Super Bowl 49?! Same exact scenario - practice injury days before the big game against the Patriots. That's some bad juju right there. Seattle NEEDS him healthy because that kid has been a revelation in the secondary.

And can we talk about how the Patriots are in ANOTHER Super Bowl?! I thought we were done with this nonsense when Brady left! Now Drake Maye is out here looking like the next great one. At least it ain't the Cowboys I guess...

Go Seahawks! Beat those Pats and get some revenge for that goal line interception!

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

How the Super Bowl could impact the Seahawks’ future free agents

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Rashid Shaheed #22 of the Seattle Seahawks speaks to the media ahead of Super Bowl LX at the San Jose Convention Center on February 04, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks have built a juggernaut roster on the strength of several stellar draft classes, blockbuster trades, and smart free agent signings.

Leading the influx is the trio of Sam Darnold, DeMarcus Lawrence and Cooper Kupp. Soon, the conversation will turn to the nine guys about to hit free agency. Nine players, all of them contributors, and history would say that fans will be disappointed to learn that at least one or two of their favorites will not return.

While it shouldn’t, it seems every year that the Super Bowl winners get a slight boost on the open market, such that inevitably a few players are poached by weak teams looking to for playmakers.

So who’s made the biggest splash this offseason, and who’s got the most prospective dollars to gain in the Super Bowl?

1) Kenneth Walker and Rashid Shaheed​

This one’s pretty obvious. Both Walker and Rasheed play premium skill positions, and both have had big moments with all eyes on them in the past three weeks. Walker, finally reemerging as a feature back after being nea

The question for each of these men is the same. Will a team see them as either a true RB1 or WR2 and be willing to commit to the commensurate starter’s contract. For Walker, I think another day of consistency plus one of those moves that made Omar Speights look like your 7-year old had the Madden controller could go a long way. Seattle has a back they like; Zach Charbonnet plus Walker make two. Quite a few teams don’t even have one.

Shaheed is awesome, but nobody will throw $15 million to a return specialist. His 50-yarder against the Los Angeles Rams was his first really big pass play in a Seahawks uniform. If he is the second best receiver in a big game against the Patriots corners, I’m afraid of what that might do to his value, as much as he’s indicated he wants to stay.

2) Tariq Woolen​

Everybody’s interested in Woolen now. He’s gone from undisciplined interceptions to true lock-down corner. After a dreadful start to 2025, Woolen ended with 4.8 yards per target allowed – his best season by over half a yard.

Then he taunted.

The question for Woolen has become: Does another NFL team believe they can manage the mental aspects of Woolen’s game better than Seattle, so that talent outweighs extracurriculars? Does Mike Macdonald believe he’s coached Woolen to fit within “12 as 1”?

Woolen is one of the players this weekend who could most definitively take over the game. Drake Maye will have to do MVP runner-up type things to win the game, and if he ends up testing Woolen too much to some nationally-noticed interceptions, teams may choose to Pay Around and Find Out at well over $20 million. I’m not convinced the Seahawks would do that.

Woolen – to me at least – has the biggest unknown range of what his open market value will actually be worth.

Should Rams target enemy free agent from Super Bowl? https://t.co/HY7FmqYpPA

— TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) February 5, 2026

3) Coby Bryant and Josh Jobe​

Bryant’s further down the list just because I don’t think Sunday can change his prospects in the slightest. He is very good. He’s still not got big name notoriety, which I hope bodes well in Seattle’s favor. The Seahawks do have a bit of a safety surplus, so this is more of an internal dollars-and-options conversation than it is a talent conversation. Can you justify paying Bryant premier safety money with Ty Okada as an Exclusive Rights free agent?

Put Josh Jobe largely in the same category, with the big exception that the team doesn’t have standout corners behind him. Besides flexing Nick Emmanwori, there’s no one. Neither of these players will find a better fit than in Seattle, but there are teams who would upgrade their secondary with either of them.

4) Special Teams​

Dareke Young, Chazz Surratt, a couple of guys who consistently impress in kick coverage. The body of work over the season will play much more than this postseason, however.

5) Josh Jones and Boye Mafe​

I don’t believe Boye Mafe will be back, and I don’t believe there’s anything he could do on Sunday to change that. I do believe Josh Jones is incredibly valuable, but it might be more prudent to find someone who could play RT and RG than exclusively backup tackle. Outside a first-quarter injury to either tackle, I’m not sure there’s much that any Super Bowl performance will impact.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-could-impact-the-seahawks-future-free-agency

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Super Bowl 2026: Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots staff picks, predictions

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: The Vince Lombardi Trophy is framed by the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots helmets during Super Bowl LX Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

At the beginning of the season, the Field Gulls staff made predictions. Only a few of us (cough, cough) predicted unprecedented success for 2025; most of our picks were rather conservative in nature. At the end of the regular season, we all picked up the pace and all but El Jefe aka Managing Editor Mookie Alexander picked the ‘Hawks to make it to the Big Game. Now, as we sit on the precipice of history, all of us delusional bohemian writer types are picking our beloved Seattle Seahawks to win Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA on Sunday.

FanDuel Sportsbook has had the spread at 4.5 in favor of the Seahawks for days now, and despite some of the analytical advantages our squad clings to, the news of Drake Maye’s shoulder, or Nick Emmanwori’s ankle, nothing has moved the line.

Now, I’ve never been a betting man, at least in the official sense. Although, I have a longstanding vision of being the guy hanging out in a cool Reno bar with newspapers strewn about, betting on baseball games all day. Maybe in another life.

Sunday should be a lot of fun. No matter what happens, let’s enjoy ourselves, eat well, and dance at halftime. At least during the Bad Bunny segment. (Strike that, Green Day should go hard, too!) It’s been quite a year already.

Go, ‘Hawks!

---

Terrance Robinson aka thadisrad: To echo a sentiment that I’ve been hearing and reading from many informed minds within the Greater Hawkdom, I’m nervous that I’m not that nervous about Sunday’s Big Game. Yes, the New England Patriots are a good team and they are in the Championship game for a reason. But, really, our squad is absolutely that much better than our opponent at every position, in every phase of the game. Jay’s Jiants will make a huge impression, whether favorable field position provided by Michael Dickson and Rashid Shaheed or field goals from Residual Odd Year Jason Myers. The ‘Hawks O will be steady and be advantageous at crucial moments with big catches from Rockwall’s JSN (of course), and a few random deep cuts from B-sides Bobo, Barner, and Kupp, despite a solid Pats defense. The DarkSide will be challenged by daft passes from the good Drake, but push back and bring salacious damage to a Patriots offense that will have a hard time finding its footing throughout the game. Final score: Seahawks 27, Patriots 10. MVP: Tariq Woolen.

Mookie Alexander: The Seahawks are better than the Patriots but that doesn’t mean they’ll definitely win. I think Patriots fans know a thing or two when it comes to that in their famous Super Bowl losses to the New York Giants. New England’s defense can pose some issues for Seattle if it can win at the line of scrimmage; dominate on the interior with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore to make the pocket messy for Sam Darnold, while stifling the rushing attack. I don’t think it will sustain over the full game, whereas the Seahawks defense maybe giving up a few explosive pass plays to Drake Maye (which could be on some “golf clap” throws) while otherwise shutting the Pats down looks very likely. It won’t be a blowout because I think the Pats are still a formidable team despite the soft schedule, but they will be overpowered on both sides of the ball as the game progresses. Darnold to JSN connects often, Kenneth Walker gets over 100 scrimmage yards again, and Seattle’s defense limits Rhamondre Stevenson and Tre’Veyon Henderson while sacking Drake Maye at least thrice. Seahawks 24, Patriots 14, MVP is Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

John Tapia: This Seahawks team can beat you in many ways. The “Dark Side” defense needs no introduction. Special teams can score at any point thanks to Rashid Shaheed. And the questions around the offense can be put to bed now as well. Especially after Sam Darnold’s victorious showing in a head-to-head contest against MVP favorite, Matthew Stafford. If the Seahawks don’t let the lights get too bright, and if they don’t become complacent (two big “if’s”), they should be able to come away with the victory relatively easily. Don’t let the NFL talking heads convince you otherwise, this Seahawks team is head and shoulders better than the New England Patriots. I would have said this had the Los Angeles Rams been the NFC representative as well. Whomever won the NFC Championship game would easily win the Super Bowl against the Patriots. That being said, the Seahawks defeat the Patriots 28-10, with Nick Emmanwori winning MVP after a pick-six of Drake Maye. (If this doesn’t happen, please blame me…. I am also very superstitious).

Ted Zahn: I’m sure as the Super Bowl gets closer, I’ll be extremely nervous. However, I just have so much confidence in how Mike Macdonald has this entire operation running. It’s a well-oiled (and confident) machine from the defense all the way through the offense and special teams. Could Klint Kubiak’s assumed departure to coach the Las Vegas Raiders or the impending sale of the Seahawks be a distraction? Sure, but this team is so focused on the goal. I expect another game of “Professional Destruction”, particularly from the defense. It will be a one-score game through the Third Quarter with the Seahawks pulling away for a 27-16 victory largely behind an electric performance from Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III who finishes with 150 total yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs.

John Fraley: Considering I’m the dude who predicted 8 or 9 wins before the season and turned out to be the wrongest, I’m tempted to use my powers for good and pick the Patri – tempted to pick the Pa – tempted to pick the zpaPapppppzsdfgh. Nope can’t. Seahawks score on six offensive drives and once on D or special teams. 37-12 Seattle, and the entire fourth quarter is extended party time and parade planning. DeMarcus Lawrence (2 1/2 sacks, FF, defensive TD) is the rightful MVP.

Frank T. Raines: M.O.B., baby. Seahawks bury the Patriots from the start, win by 20+ points, and start the dynasty that the LOB teams couldn’t.

Jack Freeman: As one of, if not the lone, Field Gulls writer who didn’t pick the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl in our playoff predictions, please allow me to begin by atoning for my error. I was attempting to reel in my expectations, but clearly this is not the season to do so. With Sam Darnold playing at levels never before seen, a top defense and Jake Bobo emerging in the NFC Championship game, it feels like the Hawks year. That has me feeling they’ll ride K9’s hot streak and one more Ernest Jones IV interception late all the way to their second Super Bowl win, 31-17, over the New England Patriots.

John Gilbert: The Seahawks gift the Patriots a set of steak knives while fans eat and drink more than they should, resulting in a drop in work productivity in the PNW during the first half of the week, particularly Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon. (Editor’s note: Gilbert thinks Seattle will win)

Tyler Alsin: The Seahawks have scored 72 points in the postseason, but the Patriots defense is better than the previous teams. This is one of those games that I think the Seahawks will dominate in talent, but not in score. Being the better team and having the better run game, once things begin to separate, I think the balanced approach will keep this lower and closer than a true 15+ point blowout. 24-16 Seahawks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba MVP.

Patrick Hood: The Seahawks have been able to win in one-possession games this year, and this time will be no different. Sam Darnold has been showing everyone that last year was not a fluke, and I think that Sunday will be yet another shining moment for him. It will be a close game for sure, but I think Seattle will come out on top. 35-31 Seahawks, Sam Darnold MVP.

Jer’rel Coleman: This has felt like a team of destiny for a good portion of the back half of the season. The 12’s are used to seeing the Seattle Seahawks not get theirs just due in the national spotlight, but this year they have demanded respect. To see the Hawks ranked as an historic overall team in stats such as point differential and DVOA is a dream. To eliminate two rivals on the way to a chance at redemption for one of the most surreal Super Bowl losses of all time? It’d be tough to write a better script.Seahawks 23, Patriots 17. MVP: Sam Darnold

Michael Thompson: About halfway through this magical season, I wrote that the winner of the NFC West was going to win the Super Bowl. I truly believe, when healthy, they were the best teams in football. Seattle earned home field and took care of business. They are simply better or playing better at every position than New England. My mind and heart have not wavered in the lead up to SB LX. As Doc Holliday once eloquently stated, “It’s not revenge he’s after, it’s a reckoning” Seahawks 34 New England 17. MVP: Sam Darnold

Bryce Coutts: When I look at these two teams the question I asked is who is more complete? The Seahawks are without a doubt. Seattle’s defense doesn’t present a clear weakness to attack, and that’s a major problem for a Patriots offense led by Drake Maye, who has struggled most against teams that can generate pressure with a four-man rush while staying disciplined in two-high shells, which has been shown throughout the playoffs.That’s exactly where this Seahawks defense lives. On the other side of the ball, Seattle has finally unlocked the run game that was promised earlier in the season, creating a truly balanced offense. Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are playing elite football at the right time, and the offensive line has quietly improved with each playoff game. Add in how steady Seattle’s special teams have been all year, and the margin becomes clear. Mike Macdonald will have this team loose, confident, and focused just like they’ve been all season. Seahawks 31, Patriots 17. Super Bowl MVP: Ken Walker

---

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Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/super-bo...eld-gulls-staff-predicts-seahawks-vs-patriots

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Super Bowl 2026: Previewing Seahawks-Patriots with Pats insider Taylor Kyles

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks and Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots meet during Super Bowl LX Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As Super Bowl 60 approaches, the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots sets the stage for one of the most compelling championship clashes in recent memory. Two teams with distinct identities, disciplined structures, and the ability to win in multiple ways are set to collide on football’s biggest stage.

On this week’s Hawks Eye Preview Show, we’re diving into the Super Bowl with a balanced lens and welcoming Patriots insider Taylor Kyles to provide perspective from the New England side.

At the heart of this game is an identity clash. Both teams have shown the ability to dictate terms, whether through physicality up front, defensive adaptability, or situational execution. Super Bowls often expose which identity holds under pressure, and this matchup is no exception. Understanding how each team wants to play and how that vision is challenged by the opponent is critical to breaking down Super Bowl 60.

We’ll also spend time examining the core offense versus defense matchups that will shape the flow of the game. How the Seahawks offense tests the Patriots defense, and how New England’s offense counters Seattle’s defensive structure, are questions that go beyond surface level stats. These are schematic battles rooted in leverage, timing, and personnel usage, the kinds of details that decide drives and swing momentum.

“There have been times where Will Campbell and Jared Wilson will let pressure come in on stunts, and they will have no idea that the guy has gone past them,” Kyles said. “If there’s one thing in this game that I’m very, very worried about, it’s definitely that rookie left side of the Patriots offensive line against—maybe not really the speed rushers of the Seahawks, but DeMarcus Lawrence, then Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams on Jared Wilson. But I think one thing the Patriots can do to help is keep Rhamondre Stevenson in protection. He’s basically another offensive lineman out there. For my money he’s the best pass-protecting back in football.”

No Super Bowl is complete without discussing X-factors. Beyond the star players, championship games are often decided by role players stepping into defining moments. Identifying which Patriot and which Seahawk could tilt the outcome is a major focus of this preview.

“I don’t think Seattle is going to have a lot of success on the inside,” Kyles said. “I think that’s a huge mismatch in favor of the Patriots with their depth on the interior. Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are the headliners, but Khyris Tonga has been excellent as a nose tackle. Cory Durden has been a diamond in the rough. He was actually cut by the Giants and the Patriots picked him up right before the season started. When you look at pass rush win rate on PFF, he’s tied with Jeffery Simmons on a much smaller sample size; he’s more a guy you’re going to see on early downs.”

Finally, we’ll look at the game-defining moments that tend to separate champions from runners-up: turnovers, explosive plays, and red-zone execution. In games this evenly matched, it’s often a single sequence not a full quarter that determines the outcome.

With insights from both sides, this Hawks Eye Preview Show is designed to give fans a clear, informed understanding of what truly matters heading into Super Bowl 60. Join us live, bring your predictions, and get ready for a Super Bowl defined by matchups, identity, and moments that live forever.

Video​

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seahawks...l-2026-seahawks-patriots-insider-taylor-kyles

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Drake Thomas’ Seahawks career began with ‘unexpected’ waiver claim by Pete Carroll

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Drake Thomas #42 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on before the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas has emerged as one of many undrafted free agent gems on this Super Bowl roster, although in his case he was not originally signed by John Schneider.

In 2023, the Las Vegas Raiders waived Thomas during final roster cuts, which was seen as a surprise given how impressive he looked in preseason. The Seahawks claimed Thomas off waivers, and while his rookie season ended prematurely due to a knee injury, he stuck around when Mike Macdonald was hired to replace Pete Carroll.

Speaking with Field Gulls earlier in the week, the former NC State star pushed back on the idea that the Raiders letting him go was a surprise, although something else did surprise him.

“You said it was surprising, I wasn’t really surprised with just the way things were over there,” Thomas said. “So it wasn’t really unexpected. But to be claimed by Pete Carroll and the Seahawks, that was a little bit unexpected but it was super exciting. My first year was a lot of fun being able to be in Seattle under Pete Carroll and learn from a lot of veteran guys. And to be still here it’s been a huge blessing, I’m just really thankful to be part of this organization.”

That's right, folks. Don't forget that Drake Thomas was a Pete Carroll waiver claim.

— Mookie Alexander (@mookiealexander.bsky.social) 2026-02-07T21:39:25.299Z

Being undrafted (and in Thomas’ case, considered undersized at 5’11”) can create that “chip on the shoulder” mentality for a lot of NFL players, but Thomas says that isn’t the case for him.

“For me, personally, I don’t think I’m really looking to prove anybody wrong, necessarily,” Thomas said. “I don’t try to hold that against anybody. Everybody one has their own opinions and everyone has the right to their own coming out of the draft. I get the measurables thing and all that, but I just want to go out there and be there for my teammates and execute what my coaches put in front of me.”

Having taken over for Tyrice Knight in the starting lineup at weakside linebacker, Thomas has flourished in Mike Macdonald’s system, recording 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss out of his 97 tackles total. No play, however, was more important to Seattle’s NFC West triumph and eventual No. 1 seed berth than his interception off of San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey’s hands in Week 18.

Red zone takeaway by Drake Thomas and the Seahawks!

SEAvsSF on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/eEOrqbxdpn

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026

“It happened really fast,” Thomas said. “It was kind of surreal in the moment. It really didn’t even process, like, the ball just ended up in my hands. A crazy moment, for sure.”

Thomas plays alongside middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was just named second-team All-Pro this season. It’s clearly been a working combination all season.

“I feel like we really complement each other well,” Thomas said. “He’s a great person to play aside and just a great person to have in the room I really appreciate what he brings to the table every single day.

“As far as playing together, I feel like he allows me to play the way that I want to play and vice versa. He has a great feel for that linebacker spot playing in the middle of the field. It’s a blessing to have him next to me on the field.”

Drake Thomas on the Seahawks recapturing their home field advantage, which started off rocky by losing to the 49ers but ended with Seattle going 8-2 at Lumen Field and winning both playoff games on their way to the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/qH81tlrKFp

— Field Gulls (@FieldGulls) February 7, 2026

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...cted-waiver-claim-pete-carroll-nfl-super-bowl

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Super Bowl 2026: Seahawks will dominate if they can beat 5 key Patriots

Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) practices before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks will take the big stage as overwhelming Super Bowl favorites this year. If Bleacher Report is to be believed, they are the most popular bet in Super Bowl history. Sheesh.

While I think the Seahawks should win— and I say that with respect to a worthy championship contender (Mike Vrabel dragged this team from 4-13 last year to the title game in one year!), but they stand no chance on paper.

In football, we know that the game is not played on paper. if so, the 2007 New England Patriots would be known as the greatest team of all time. Let’s take a look at the two previous opponents that the Patriots faced in this year’s playoffs and why they aren’t on Seattle’s statistical level.

The Houston Texans were without Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Joe Mixon and still had chances to win in the divisional round against the Pats. The run game produced a muted 2.2 yards per carry for H-town. The Texan defense finished second to the Seahawks in points allowed and went on to sack Maye five times and force him to cough up four fumbles. I expect a similarly dominant performance from Mike Macdonald’s Hawks unit, and better results for the No. 3 ranked scoring offense. The Texans were 13th in that regard, with Collins.

The Denver Broncos were 14th in points scored, with Bo Nix. They were 4th in points allowed, while the Seattle Seahawks are 1st in that category. Jarrett Stidham (who’s QB Rating of 63 was higher than Maye’s 58.8), in a half-snowy game kept this game to a 3-point difference!

Denver was two bad 1st-half FG situation decisions (going for it on 4th and 1 in the red area, then Stiddy scrambling for a loss of 2 instead of throwing away just before a FG miss) away from a lead before the white dusting gave New England camouflage in their all-white unis. That’s two FG’s that could’ve meant the difference in a potential Super Bowl berth.

Seattle, meanwhile, has the best defense in EPA per play since the previously mentioned 2019 Patriots. This team is special. If we compare it to these Patriots setting marks for lowest-scoring 3-game postseason run in Super Bowl history and top three easiest schedules in the past 50 years of Super Bowls, it feels like this could be a major mismatch.

As we make comparisons to the ’07 Patriots and the ‘19 Patriots while Seattle gets ready to battle the new models, it’s perhaps a great reminder that special squads can get the hands too. Nothing is given; it’s earned.

Here are the New England players of the 2025 team who will need to be instrumental if the Patriots want to stage one of the largest Super Bowl upsets we’ve seen. Seattle will need to have plans for all.

Drake Maye, QB​

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Drake Maye had the top Passer Rating of all the quarterbacks. Sounds like the ideal situation you’d want from your quarterback. The young sophomore phenom was one vote short of winning MVP in his second season at the controls. IF he would’ve won, he would’ve joined current or future Hall of Famers in Dan Marino, Kurt Warner, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.

That’s a hypothetical but impressive alternate reality. What is irrefutable, is that Maye threw for 4.4k yards and 31 TDs against 8 INTs during the regular season and will look to ignite another New England title run. He is public enemy number one. The Seahawks’ Dark Side defense will be charged with stopping the return of the empire behind a new young leader (one who can scramble).

Christian Gonzalez, CB​

All-Pro Cornerback, Christian Gonzalez filled the stat sheet in the AFC Championship game with a 6 tackle, 1 sack, 1 INT performance, and can blanket receivers in the passing game. He will apparently shadow JSN, according to Carlton Davis, which will be a get your popcorn ready matchup at times.

Unfortunately for him, he may be in hell trying to keep up with the man who lines up outside, in the slot, and even out of the backfield.

Milton Williams, DT​

This dude is capable of destructive activities from the defensive interior. The disruptive defensive tackle put on a show as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in last year’s Super Bowl. Seahawks guards, Grey Zabel and Anthony Bradford will need to be on their P’s and Q’s in order to keep he and teammate Christian Barmore out of the backfield. Both OGs haven’t been perfect but have proven capable of moving the line of scrimmage at times throughout the year.

Milton Williams in the Super Bowl last year:

92.6 pass rush grade (best by any DI in a SB)
2 sacks
forced fumble
fumble recovery

Chance to go B2B with the Patriots pic.twitter.com/e7vRmvn445

— PFF (@PFF) February 4, 2026

Stefon Diggs, WR​

Stefon Diggs looked near the end of his career after making it back from a major knee injury to play for the Houston Texans last year. With the benefit of more time in between his surgery and now, Diggs looks reborn. Surprisingly, when taking the postseason into account, ESPN has the veteran wideout ranked #1 in their overall Receiver Score rankings… just ahead of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua. “Unc” has still got it. He also has 17 games of playoff experience under his belt.

K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE​

Why this guy? The former Jags pass rusher may not even be the best rusher on the team, as Harold Landry III fights to make it back for this contest… but he is an x-factor.

Chaisson registered 3 sacks, 7 QB hits, 1 forced fumble and 1 PBU over the first two playoff games for the Pats. This could’ve been one of the two running backs, but KLC has a chance to put together a heater of a playoff run if he can help flush Darnold from the outside edge. He and a healthy Landry together is a threat. Seattle is well positioned to handle this threat if Charles Cross is fully healthy.

Now… if your heart rate is up just thinking about these agitators to the coronation, just remember that Seattle has proven capable of landslide victories, and did not lay down for any trap games this year. Some of these Patriots may make good plays. The Seahawks have proven capable of overcoming individual performances as a team.

Tonight the @Seahawks:

scored 40+ points
rushed for 150+ yards
had 0 turnovers
allowed 0 TDs
had fewer than 10 penalty yards
scored a special-teams TD

No other team in NFL history has done all of that in any game, regular season or playoffs. pic.twitter.com/Owj5qoxdRk

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 18, 2026

The stats bear out that Seahawks leadership has done an excellent job at scouting, game-planning and just straight winning this year. There will be plans for these five, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds in a matter of hours.

If the Hawks cover their bases, they could put on another show in their final act on the way to a world title.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...will-dominate-if-they-can-beat-5-key-patriots

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks’ Jason Myers kicks his way into Super Bowl record books

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Jason Myers #5 of the Seattle Seahawks kicks a field goal against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For a moment there, it looked like that MVP could have gone to Jason Myers. In fact, people seem pretty upset he didn’t win.

But try not to worry too much. The Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champions, and we’ll give the man his credit right here!
For the second time in the same season, Myers has set a new NFL record.

I’m just kidding.

For the THIRD time in a season, Myers has set a new NFL record! One for total season points, one for most field goals in a Super Bowl. This all after his six-kick game against the Indianapolis Colts set a new regular season record.

Jason Myers has become the first player in NFL history to score 200+ points in a single season, including playoffs

(via @NFLPlus) pic.twitter.com/0ytvsVeVxZ

— Kalshi Football (@KalshiFB) February 9, 2026

Jason Myers drills his 5th field goal of the game, a new Super Bowl record!

Super Bowl LX on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/9OiXZTCWW7

— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026

On the one hand, Super Bowl MVP Kicker would have been objectively memorable.

On the other, it adds to a franchise resumé that’s frankly getting ridiculous. On top of shutting out the New England Patriots for 3 quarters, outscoring opponents by 55 this offseason, they’ve got the best special teams unit in the NFL by a mile. This might actually be the most balanced team ever.

Jason Myers made all five of his field goals, breaking the previous Super Bowl record of four held by only five players. The points culminated in 206 this year for Myers, the most prolific scorer of all time.

Hey – the even/odd curse thing is gone! He’s good all the time now.

Sorry for the snub, Mr. Myers. Way to singlehandedly outscore the Patriots in the Super Bowl, something I hope you tell your kids into eternity.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-bowl-history-with-record-setting-performance

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Super Bowl 2027 odds: Seahawks early favorites to win it all again

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald greets Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Blake/Reuters via Imagn Images | Mike Blake/Reuters via Imagn Images

The offseason has barely begun, and yet the market has already started to take shape. The first Super Bowl odds released by FanDuel Sportsbook function as an early barometer for the league: they don’t tell us who will win in February, but they do reveal who enters the next season carrying legitimate championship expectations. And for Seattle, it’s a clear message that the respect has been earned.

Regardless of which social media platforms you use or which outlets you follow, it was almost impossible during last season not to read or watch something that underestimated the Seahawks. From the trades of Geno Smith and DK Metcalf to the decision to move forward with Sam Darnold as the team’s quarterback, every one of those moves was questioned — and in many cases, questioned excessively.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Seahawks open the offseason at +750 to win the Super Bowl, making them the favorites to win the Lombardi Trophy in the 2026 season. Behind Seattle are the Los Angeles Rams (+800), Baltimore Ravens (+1200), Buffalo Bills (+1200), and Green Bay Packers (+1300). That initial snapshot places Seattle in a very clear position: not as a potential surprise, but as a team that will be treated as a constant threat throughout the entire season. Once again, the message is clear — the respect is back.

That same market respect also shows up when the focus narrows to the conference level. In the odds to win the NFC, the Seahawks are, unsurprisingly, the favorites at +400. They are followed by the Rams (+450), Packers (+700), Eagles (+800), and Lions (+800). This isn’t an NFC open to randomness; it’s a conference in which Seattle begins the year as part of the race, a very different reality from last season.

Yes, it’s normal for the defending champion to carry favorable odds, but this also sends a message that the market does not believe Seattle’s run was a “stroke of luck.” Reaching the Super Bowl is extremely difficult — as this season once again proved — but Seattle will be fighting to get back there.

A lot will still change. The draft and free agency are likely to shift these odds significantly. On top of that, Seattle still needs to find its new offensive coordinator, a move that will also influence how next season’s projections take shape. For the Seahawks, being treated as a contender at the start of the offseason guarantees nothing — but it completely changes the starting point of the conversation.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...l-2027-odds-seattle-seahawks-repeat-champions

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks free agents 2026: Rashid Shaheed, Coby Bryant headline list

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 17: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks is lifted up by Anthony Bradford #75 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champions, which means the offseason and starting work on defending their title is the task for the next several months.

Up first is free agency, with the legal tampering period starting four weeks from Monday, so here is a rundown of the Seahawks whose contract are set to expire at 4:00 pm New York time on Wednesday, March 11.

Seahawks pending free agents 2026​

As regular Field Gulls readers know, players whose contracts expire fall into three different categories, and which category a player falls into is determined by how many accrued seasons they have earned in their NFL career. Th three categories are

• exclusive rights free agents (two or fewer accrued seasons),
• restricted free agents (exactly three accrued seasons) and
• unrestricted free agents (four or more accrued seasons).

With that laid out, here is how each group looks for the Seahawks.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA)

All a team is required to do to prevent EFRAs from hitting the market is to extend them a qualifying tender, which is basically a one-year contract at league minimum for their level of experience. From a player’s perspective, their options are effectively to play for that league minimum contract or to stay home.

Here are the Seahawks ERFAs and the salary of the tender which would be required based on their experience:

• RB George Holani: $1.075M
• S Ty Okada: $1.145M

Both of those players are members of the special teams and between offense, defense and special teams combined to play more than a thousand snaps in 2025, so it seems a no brainer to bring both of them back.

Restricted Free Agents (RFAs)

Teams have two decisions to make regarding RFAs. The first is whether to extend a tender to the player, and if they do extend a tender, which of three levels to extend. Those three options are:

• First round tender: $8.107M
• Second round tender: $5.811M
• Right of first refusal tender: $3.547M

Seattle has several restricted free agents, including

• LB Drake Thomas
• TE Brady Russell
• LS Chris Stoll
• WR Cody White
• DT Brandon Pili
• WR Cody White
• WR Jake Bobo
• S A.J. Finley

Thomas Russell and Stoll seem the most likely to receive a tender from the team, with arguments made for both Pili and Bobo. However, it seems more likely that those two would reach a negotiated one- or two-year extension for less than the ROFR tender than receive a tender.

Unrestricted Free Agents

There are the veteran players who make up the core of free agency, and about whom fans get most worked up while building their offseason wish lists. The current Seahawks who are not signed for 2026 are:

• S Coby Bryant
• CB Josh Jobe
• CB Tariq Woolen
• WR Rashid Shaheed
• LB Boye Mafe
• RB Ken Walker
• OL Josh Jones
• WR Dareke Young
• LB Chazz Surratt

The secondary, of course, heads this list with three key members set to hit the market, but the most intriguing name for cap and collective bargaining agreement junkies might be Young. The reason for that is that Young falls into a unique category of players who qualify for what is known as the four-year qualifying contract, a type of contract the Seahawks have yet to use since its inclusion in the 2020 CBA. That bears watching in the coming weeks.

Notably, the entire starting offense is under contract for 2026, including Super Bowl champion right guard Anthony Bradford.

So now it’s on to free agency, with a quick stop at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis first.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...s-free-agents-2026-rashid-shaheed-coby-bryant

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seattle Seahawks NFL draft order 2026 finalized after Super Bowl win

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: A general view of the video board on stage with The Pick Is In with the Seattle Seahawks 18th pick during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Don’t you just love picking 32nd in the NFL Draft without any trades? Because absent trades, picking 32nd means you’ve just won the Super Bowl, which is what happened to the Seattle Seahawks after their beatdown of the New England Patriots.

It doesn’t get much less complicated than the Seahawks’ 2026 draft, which is sparse on picks and easy to slot due to their positioning as Super Bowl champions.

Updated 2026 NFL Draft order​

1. Las Vegas Raiders
2. New York Jets
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Washington Commanders
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Kansas City Chiefs
10. Cincinnati Bengals
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
14. Baltimore Ravens
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
17. Detroit Lions
18. Minnesota Vikings
19. Carolina Panthers
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
22. Los Angeles Chargers
23. Philadelphia Eagles
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
25. Chicago Bears
26. Buffalo Bills
27. San Francisco 49ers
28. Houston Texans
29. Los Angeles Rams
30. Denver Broncos
31. New England Patriots
32. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks 2026 NFL Draft picks​

• Round 1, Pick 32
• Round 2, Pick 64
• Round 3, Pick 96
• Round 4, N/A (Rashid Shaheed trade)
• Round 5, N/A (Rashid Shaheed trade)
• Round 6, TBD
• Round 7, N/A (Nick Harris trade)

Four picks would be the fewest for the Seahawks since their ill-fated 2021 draft, which only had Dee Eskridge, Tre Brown, and Stone Forsythe selected. The 2026 NFL Draft will happen from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, PA. Barring some big moves in the offseason, it looks as if the defending champs will have a light weekend in terms of adding players through the draft. It is John Schneider, however, so don’t rule out some sort of wheeling and dealing leading up to and during the draft.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-nfc-championship-eliminated-los-angeles-rams

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Enemy Reaction, Super Bowl 2026: New England Patriots

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: A New England Patriots fan reacts as they take on the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks started their regular season by losing to the San Francisco 49ers, ended their regular season by winning the NFC West and top seed over the 49ers in Santa Clara, started their postseason by vanquishing the 49ers at Lumen Field, and ending it with a Super Bowl triumph over the New England Patriots… in Santa Clara. A storybook end to a milestone season for the Seahawks, who now boast two Lombardi Trophies.

It’s the final Enemy Reaction of the 2025 season. Traditionally, I do Enemy Reaction for the Super Bowl regardless of who is playing. The fact that the Seahawks were in it and won it makes this the sweetest one of all. While Pats Pulpit will be the focus for their game thread live reactions, you know that I’ll be pulling from Niners Nation and other SB Nation NFL sites to sprinkle in some knowledge on which fanbases were rooting for which team.

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Cooper Kupp sets up opening drive field goal (3-0 SEA)​

Derick Hall sacks Drake Maye! (3-0 SEA)​

Devon Witherspoon sacks Drake Maye! (3-0 SEA)​

Kenneth Walker III turns loss into 30-yard gain, helping set up another Jason Myers field goal (6-0 SEA)​

Kenneth Walker takes screen pass for 20 yards, leading to another field goal (12-0 SEA)​

Derick Hall strip sacks Drake Maye, Byron Murphy II recovers! (12-0 SEA)​

Bonus reaction from 49ers, Vikings, Bills, and Broncos fans!​

AJ Barner scores first touchdown of Super Bowl 60! (19-0 SEA)​

Bonus reactions from 49ers, Vikings, Jets, and Raiders fans​

Uh oh, Mack Hollins quickly responds for the Patriots (19-7 SEA)​

Julian Love picks off Drake Maye! (19-7 SEA)​

Bonus reaction from Jets, Giants, 49ers, and Rams fans!​

Uchenna Nwosu seals Super Bowl 60 with a pick-6! (29-7 SEA)​

Bonus reaction from 49ers, Jets, Bills, Dolphins, and Broncos fans!​

Rhamondre Stevenson scores nice, garbage time touchdown (29-13 SEA)​

The Seahawks win the Super Bowl! (29-13 SEA FINAL)​

Bonus 49ers meltdown!​

Cowboys fans congratulate DeMarcus Lawrence​

Vikings fans congratulating Sam Darnold​

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Post-Game: Patriots defense deserved better fate (Matt Vautour, Mass Live)​

The Patriots gave up 29 points on Sunday. Seven of those came on an interception return for a touchdown. Seven more were off of a short field set up by a strip sack. Everything else was a field goal.

The New England defense played a huge role in the Patriots getting to this game and they played well enough to give them a chance to win it.

They played championship defense. They deserved better.

They made terrific tackles, athletic pass breakups and kept the pressure on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. But they’ll go home empty-handed.

Late in the third quarter, the Patriots were lucky to be down just 12-0 with the ball. Thanks to the defense’s outstanding effort, they had a chance to make it a game with one good drive.

But when Maye dropped back to pass on third and six from the Patriots’ 44, Derick Hall broke through the line and punched the ball out. Hall recovered it at the New England 37. Five plays later, the Seahawks were in the end zone with a 19-0 lead and the game was all but over.

Because of that, Christian Gonzalez’s incredible night will be overlooked by history. He had three pass breakups, including two diving lunges that saved touchdowns.

Post-Game recap: Lack of adjustments on offense was surprising (Ian Logue, PatsFans.com)​

As it was, the Seahawks were having their way with both rookie Will Campbell and fellow rookie Jared Wilson, both of whom spent the entire night getting manhandled. So the fact that there was no adjustment there was probably one of the more surprising developments of the night.

Campbell’s another player who, like Maye, had a solid year prior to getting injured. He hasn’t looked like himself since coming off the injured reserve, and he’ll benefit greatly from a full offseason to both get healthy and get stronger.

The same can be said for Wilson, who also needs to bulk up this offseason. For Wilson, the thought is that he might be the future replacement for Garrett Bradbury at center, which will likely mean the team will continue adding depth on the offensive line this offseason.

For now, it’s disappointing, but for a team that enjoyed a fair amount of good fortune for most of the year, some bad luck and injuries down the stretch ultimately caught up to them. In the meantime, it’s still a young team that ended up with a 2025 season that absolutely exceeded expectations, which should make what happens this offseason even more intriguing heading into 2026.

Post-Game Video: They didn’t belong on the same field (Phil Perry and Bertrand, 98.5 The Sports Hub)​

Post-Game Video: The real best Super Bowl reaction​

This might be the most beautiful video I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/n5wd7DYMg4

— Synthetic Sports (@SyntheticSports) February 10, 2026

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And so ends the 2025 NFL season. The Seahawks played in 20 of the 285 combined regular season and postseason games, winning 17 and losing three by a combined nine points. This was a historic Seahawks team and while we can debate whether or not they’re as good as the 2013 Super Bowl squad, I believe the 2025 Seahawks just completed the greatest and most exhilarating season in franchise history.

That’s the end for Enemy Reaction this year. Let’s pick this back up in September for more fun, more meltdowns, and ideally the last Enemy Reaction for 2026-27 is a Seahawks Super Bowl victory at the home of the LA Rams.

Thanks for reading and go ‘Hawks!

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...tion-nfl-super-bowl-2026-new-england-patriots

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

The 12 mantras that made the Seahawks Super Bowl champions

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 8: Mike MacDonald of the Seattle Seahawks lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the NFL Super Bowl LX football game against the New England Patriots, at Levi's Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13.(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Mike Macdonald can be, at times, a man of few words. In fact, he tends to communicate the way he designs blitzes: with precision. Little wasted movement.

But when it comes to ideals and philosophies set to language, he’s a treasure trove. A nearly endless supply of one-liners led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl. Not throwaway comments, not empty platitudes like….a brand-oriented quarterback.

These were goals and philosophies, and they defined the 2025 Seahawks.

And believe it or not, there were 12 of them.

To fans of Seattle since they hired Mike Macdonald, none of these will be unfamiliar. To those just now discovering there’s a team north of the San Francisco 49ers, we welcome you. Let’s journey through time from Macdonald’s first spring til today. Allow me to introduce you to one of the first phrases ever uttered by the now Super Bowl winning head coach: “Chasing Edges.”

Chasing Edges​

Seahawks players call their head coach and defensive play-caller Mike MacDonald, a ‘genius’. They’ve taken on his mindset and mantra — “chasing edges” — all season long…@NFLGameDay @nflnetwork #Seahawks #12sEverywhere pic.twitter.com/28RYbQRdMd

— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) February 8, 2026

Chasing edges means attention to detail in such a way that any available advantage one might gain, is gained. It’s everything from the relentless observation of tells and tendencies in opponents, all the way to the belief that becoming the NFL leader in special teams is worth pursuing.

Stacking Plays​

This was the first one I remember from Macdonald’s first training camp. Back then it was “stacking reps,” but to be fair the man had never head-coached an NFL snap before. Once the season started it morphed into stacking plays, and eventually “stacking wins.” Having the background with “reps” helps put the shape to this one. It’s like momentum, but really on an individual level before it translates to the team. Do the thing right, and then do it right again, until doing the right thing the right way becomes the norm. There’s no shortcut to greatness.

Operation​

After we stacked some stuff, the next thing that stood out that summer was the word “operation”. He said it throughout camp, and it seemed a special interest after the team’s – and his – first preseason game.

“Great first start,” Macdonald said. “I’m just proud of the mentality, the focus that we had, the intent, it felt like the guys played really hard, felt like they were focused. It’s a first game, so the first time doing all the operation stuff for real, and I thought our operation was clean for the most part.

Macdonald is highly process-oriented, and this is the phrase. Every football coach knows about the operations of football, but Macdonald lives here. To him, it is absolutely not better to be lucky than good. It is better to be foundationally solid, so that his team is the most likely team to produce the best result, because their preparation has been the best.

Shocking Effort​

Boye Mafe created the fumble and Derick Hall scooped it up, but the #Seahawks wouldn't have scored their defensive touchdown Sunday if not for the incredible play CB Devon Witherspoon made that coach Mike Macdonald calls a "shocking effort."https://t.co/Nj3qsgBHLB

— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) October 21, 2024

I’m not sure if Macdonald walked in the door with this one or not. We didn’t hear it right away. But it’s how the staff describes what they want to see on tape. Your high school coach probably yelled ‘hustle’ or such at you; Macdonald calls his guys to shocking effort.

The New England Patriots felt the full force of shocking effort on Sunday. They were not able to replicate.

Twelve As One​

Obviously not something he picked up in Baltimore or Michigan. A move that endeared Macdonald far more to the city of Seattle, it’s both a nod to the home field advantage the Seahawks have reclaimed and the synergy of the team, primarily on defense. He describes it:

“When you play together and you really try to create it like you’re playing against more than 11 guys – that’s what we want our fingerprint to be. That’s our identity.” “The guys have bought in on that. It’s about really playing for the guy next to you.”

Vulnerability​

This is the one that I don’t believe Macdonald would claim as any sort of team mantra, but I’d push back on that. This was felt first, because, among other things, Macdonald is a terrible liar. Stick a microphone up there and he acts like he’s incapable of it. The result is at times awkward pauses and grasping for words, but it’s because he’s always looking for the true words. There are times when he speaks after a 10-point win and he’s openly upset about a bad call he made that put his safety in a bad position.

It was felt in 2024, and in 2025 it became a mindset. Leonard Williams led the way this year talking about “brotherhood” and “love,” and a team atmosphere that is just so starkly different than the 2013 champs.

Ready Squad​

Now we’re changing institutionalized titles? Apparently. It came out that Macdonald doesn’t use the term practice squad. Those extra 16 guys are the “ready squad.” They even made shirts.

The result? A guy like Ty Okada started 11 games this year and made 65 tackles.

Loose and Focused​

You might not have heard this one as much until Super Bowl week. They don’t bring it out as often, it seems like more of a locker room thing than a public philosophy.

Loose and focused pic.twitter.com/oD73GUtcsx

— Dipti (@diptimahapatra) February 8, 2026

I do love the way Macdonald talks about the idea, however. He’s said it should be fun to go to work. But not to go to have fun, but because it’s fun to be great at what you do alongside others who are great at what they do. It’s kinda like word hard play hard, but with less letters. The Macdonald way.

M.O.B. Ties​

This is when leadership created the culture that creates itself. Coach didn’t come up with this one, the players did.

It’s Mission Over Bullsh-t, and it’s particularly interesting when you hear Jaxon Smith-Njigba talk about liking the phrase. Seattle employs the absolute unicorn of best wide receiver in the league that’s also not a diva. Let the play do the talking.

You didn't hear the Seahawks make much noise this week, or this year in general. Wasn't their style. One of their rallying cries became M.O.B. Ties — Mission Over Bullshit. Players came up with it as a reminder to stay focused on what matters. Mission accomplished, if you will.

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) February 9, 2026

The Dark Side​

Speaking of team-generated, how about their own nickname?

BEWARE THE DARK SIDE

The Seahawks defense DOMINATED in the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/zOOmgqf7Lm

— PFF (@PFF) February 9, 2026

And then finally, a two-for-one special. In the NFC championship game interview, Mike Macdonald dropped a line that instantly became a classic, shirt, hat, probably a tattoo somewhere, and a follow-up that’s embodied the team since day one.

We. Did. Not. Care​

"WE DID NOT CARE" pic.twitter.com/DPMRleTNg2

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 26, 2026

Lovable, overthinker-of-things Mike Macdonald. Never change, coach.

It’s About Us​

Both lines were in response to Michael Strahan asking about the Seahawks preseason rankings. We did not care became the meme, but “it’s about us” is just as powerful of a follow-up. This team is internally motivated.

That’s rare for pro sports.

Motivation’s got to come from somewhere to compete at the highest level. In a lot of instances, external motivation can appear easier. You’d be hard-pressed to find a member of the 2013 Seahawks that wasn’t more externally motivated than internally. Every dude on that team seemed to have it out for somebody, some player, some former coach, Michael Crabtree, Skip Bayless, Jim Harbaugh, Russell Wilson – I’m sorry I just started listing Richard Sherman enemies again didn’t I?

That’s just not how this team worked. It’s about “us” (them). External motivation isn’t bad, but I would argue Macdonald found the more powerful path. These guys didn’t do it to prove others wrong, they did it for each other. The Seahawks are world champions because they believed they were this good, and they wanted to prove that and achieve that for their brothers.

Pretty cool stuff this year, 12s. What an unbelievable ride and a privilege to experience the culture that Mike built.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...as-made-seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-champions

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Mike Macdonald has perfect response to not winning Coach of the Year

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Mike MacDonald of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 to win Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Mike Macdonald may not have won Coach of the Year at NFL Honors during Super Bowl week, but he did win the Lombardi Trophy, which is a little bit more important in terms of career achievements.

At the Seahawks’ Super Bowl celebration on Wednesday, Mike Macdonald was introduced by former Seahawk and longtime radio play-by-play voice Steve Raible as someone who “should’ve been recognized as NFL Coach of the Year.” As Coach Macdonald approached the podium, the fourth-youngest head coach to ever win a Super Bowl provided a mic drop before he could even get into his speech.

“I think I’ll take this trophy instead,” Macdonald said.

pic.twitter.com/IE7veInZL9

— OWN U (@Fatslob1123) February 11, 2026

Of course, the Coach of the Year award went to New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, while Assistant Coach of the Year went to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Macdonald finished third in the voting behind Vrabel and Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the Patriots and Jaguars went from 4-13 disasters to division champions, the Seahawks were clearly the NFL’s best team and that has been reason in the past to award Coach of the Year. Evidently Seattle exceeding its own low preseason expectations wasn’t enough in the eyes of voters.

The last time a Seahawks coach won Coach of the Year was Chuck Knox in 1984, when Seattle built off of its surprise AFC Championship run in 1983 by finishing 12-4 the following year. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the Divisional Round. Mike Holmgren, Pete Carroll, and now Mike Macdonald have all led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance and yet none came away with an extra AP NFL award.

“We love the 12s. You guys are the best in the world, and now we’re the best football team in the world. World champs!” Macdonald added.

He’s Coach of the Year in our hearts. And he’s a Super Bowl champion, too.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...ect-response-to-not-winning-coach-of-the-year