The 2026 Seattle Seahawks are ready for the challenge of defending their crown. After winning the Super Bowl last season, the team returns most of its championship core that went 17-3 overall, including victories in its last ten games.
Expectations remain high in Washington, as the organization believes in another deep run based on the culture and foundation head coach Mike MacDonald has built to turn the Seahawks into an elite squad. Despite playing in a strong NFC West division, where three teams won 12+ games and made the playoffs, the ‘Hawks are favorites to win it all again.
Dominant Defense Still Intact
Seattle’s defense is projected to be a dominant unit, thanks to the versatile talent and sophisticated scheme MacDonald runs. Considered one of the top defensive minds in the NFL, the head coach has created a scheme geared towards confusing opposing quarterbacks through disguised coverages and fronts. They were the best scoring defense in the NFL in 2025 (17.2 points per game allowed) and top 10 in most categories.
It starts up front, where the defensive line is anchored by three-time Pro Bowler Leonard Williams. He’s able to play multiple positions and be a disruptive force against the run (70.9 PFF run grade) and pass (7 sacks, 22 QB hits). Former first-rounder Bryon Murphy (7 sacks) pairs with Williams to give Seattle a powerful duo inside, with hope that 2025 draft pick Rylie Mills can break out after missing most of last year.
On the edge, Dante Fowler was signed as a rotational pass rusher to spell Uchenna Nwosu (7 sacks) and Demarcus Lawrence (6 sacks, 20 QB hits, 2 defensive touchdowns). Linebackers Ernest Jones (126 tackles, 5 INTs) and Drake Thomas are three-down athletic linebackers who complement the front seven well.
Trevon Diggs (20 career INTs) was signed to add depth to the secondary. Safety Nick Emmanwori has the high-level physical traits to become a top player and is now fully healthy for his second season.
Devon Witherspoon is an elite cornerback, the top-rated by PFF, who excels in coverage, against the run, and as a blitzer–something MacDonald could utilize more to further evolve the defense. He was signed to a 4-year, $132 million deal this offseason to continue being a pillar for the defense.
It is a perfect marriage of scheme and personnel, with the benefit of having another year of continuity. The Seahawks defense is expected to be just as dominant, able to carry the team if needed to get wins.
Looking To Maintain Balance On Offense
Quarterback Sam Darnold proved doubters wrong with a Pro Bowl season and strong playoff run (5 touchdowns, zero INTs) to help Seattle capture Super Bowl LX. With title game MVP Kenneth Walker leaving in free agency, the offense will have to replace his production to help keep pressure off Darnold and the passing game.
The team plans to use a committee with George Holani, free agent Emmanuel Wilson, and first-round pick Jadarian Price. Zach Charbonnet (730 yards, 12 touchdowns) being healthy during training camp would have made for a good positional battle, but he will play a significant role once he recovers from a torn ACL.
The offensive line returns all five starters from last year, which bodes well for protecting Darnold and keeping the offense productive. If the running game takes a step back, there is optimism that the passing attack can take another step forward.
Darnold will have the offensive player of the year back as his top target. Jaxon Smith-Njigba put together a career year (119 catches, 1793 yards, 10 touchdowns) in which he exhibited masterful route running and catching to become a true number-one wideout.
Rashid Shaheed was re-signed to give the offense a downfield and special-teams threat with his blazing speed (4 career return touchdowns). Cooper Kupp is a solid complementary receiver, still capable of working underneath. The group forms one of the best trios that are sure-handed and productive.
It will be interesting to see how the offense changes under new coordinator Brian Fleury. He comes from rival San Francisco, where he served as the 49ers’ run game coordinator and tight ends coach. It will be important to maintain the balance and complementary football that Klint Kubiak had.
2026 Seattle Seahawks Hope Chase For A Repeat Leads To Start Of Something Bigger
Seattle is not only built to be a championship favorite this year, but also for multiple seasons, with the front office able to consistently acquire prime talent for sustained success. The continuity of playing together and Macdonald’s schemes should keep Seattle among the NFL’s elite defenses and able to compete with any team in the NFL.
There will be plenty of obstacles along the way with other strong teams, but if the Seahawks can stay healthy and continue playing to their strengths and championship culture while developing their young talent, this could be more than a short run of success—it could be the start of the next NFL dynasty.
