The Seattle Seahawks enter the 2026 season with a goal on their backs.
After successful Tremendous Bowl 60, Seattle is not the up-and-coming contender. The Seahawks at the moment are the defending champions, and each opponent on their schedule can be seeking to take them down. Whereas championship rosters are constructed on star energy, repeating success typically comes down as to whether veteran gamers can maintain and even elevate their efficiency from one season to the subsequent.
That raises one of many largest questions dealing with the Seahawks this season: Which veterans can keep or enhance their manufacturing in 2026, and which gamers could possibly be susceptible to regression?
The highlight naturally begins with quarterback Sam Darnold. After main Seattle to a championship in his first season with the group, Darnold enters 12 months 2 with elevated familiarity within the offense and a full offseason working with offensive coordinator Brian Fleury. Continuity at quarterback is among the largest benefits a staff can have, and Seattle is betting Darnold can take one other step ahead moderately than merely repeat final yr’s efficiency.
At broad receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba faces a distinct problem. The Seahawks rewarded their star receiver with an enormous extension after he established himself as one of many league’s elite playmakers. The query is not whether or not Smith-Njigba can produce. The query is whether or not he can proceed acting at an All-Professional degree whereas turning into the focus of opposing defensive sport plans each week.
On protection, Derick Corridor could also be one among Seattle’s most vital gamers in 2026. Coming into 12 months 4 and coming off a profitable contract extension, Corridor seems poised to develop into the face of the Seahawks cross rush. His growth has been regular every season, and if that trajectory continues, a double-digit sack marketing campaign could possibly be inside attain. A ten-to-12 sack season wouldn’t solely validate Seattle’s funding however may additionally elevate Corridor into the dialog among the many NFL’s prime edge rushers.
Devon Witherspoon stays one other participant with a professional alternative to lift his sport. Already one of many NFL’s most versatile defensive backs, Witherspoon possesses the expertise to develop into the league’s greatest cornerback. The following step is creating extra game-changing performs via interceptions, compelled fumbles, and turnovers that swing momentum.
In the meantime, Leonard Williams continues to be one of many NFL’s most disruptive defensive linemen. Regardless of persistently impacting video games, Williams typically flies underneath the nationwide radar. If he can keep his dominant degree of play, Seattle’s protection ought to stay among the many NFL’s greatest.
In fact, not each veteran is assured to repeat previous success. Elevated expectations, age, accidents, and altering roles can all result in regression. Figuring out which gamers can proceed acting at a championship degree could finally decide whether or not Seattle could make one other deep postseason run.
The Seahawks proved they might climb to the highest of the mountain in 2025. The problem now could be staying there.
Which Seahawks are most certainly to repeat (or enhance) their 2025 manufacturing?
Which Seahawks are most certainly to regress from their 2025 manufacturing?
Wish to hear the total dialogue? Take a look at the most recent episode of Hawks Eye Dwell, the place we break down Sam Darnold’s 12 months 2 outlook, whether or not Jaxon Smith-Njigba can stay among the many NFL’s elite receivers, Derick Corridor’s potential for a 10-12 sack season, Devon Witherspoon’s quest to develop into the league’s prime cornerback, Leonard Williams’ continued dominance, the veterans most certainly to regress, and the 5 Seahawks gamers dealing with essentially the most stress getting into the 2026 season.
Keep Loud. Be Proud. Go Hawks!
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