Seattle Seahawks 2025 Offseason Preview: Key Moves Ahead After a Strong 10-Win Season

2024 Season: 10-7, second in NFC West, missed playoffs

Season Summary: Mike Macdonald’s first year as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks ended with a mix of hope and disappointment. The team managed to win 10 games, a good performance by many standards, but it fell short of playoff expectations.

Seattle had a real shot at claiming the NFC West title but faltered towards the end of the season. This left fans wondering about the future of quarterback Geno Smith and what other changes the team might need to make to return to the postseason.

Assessing the Seahawks can be tricky. They have talent and have posted three consecutive winning seasons, but they’ve only made one playoff appearance during this stretch and haven’t secured any playoff victories. The team doesn’t require a full rebuild, but they need to find a way to break through this barrier.

Key Free Agents:

• LB Ernest Jones IV
• G Laken Tomlinson
• DT Jarran Reed

Jones made a significant impact after a midseason trade, and the Seahawks will likely prioritize re-signing him. However, their salary cap situation could make this a challenge. If they focus on keeping Jones, starters like Tomlinson and Reed may need to find new teams next season.

Areas to Address:

• Offensive line
• Defensive tackle
• Wide receiver

The Seahawks have struggled on the offensive line for years, which has hindered their progress. Geno Smith had an inconsistent season, partly due to this issue. While the defense has good pieces, finding another standout player up front could make a big difference. Seattle has talent at wide receiver, but they might need to add depth, especially with DK Metcalf’s future uncertain beyond next season.

Salary Cap Situation: The Seahawks face a tough challenge with their cap, being about $19 million over it, one of the worst situations in the NFL. Drafting well will be crucial, as they will need to cut costs to clear space.

Potential Cuts:

• WR Tyler Lockett
• OT George Fant
• TE Noah Fant
• DE Dre’Mont Jones

Lockett has had a great run with Seattle, but at 33 and a hefty cap hit, he could be a candidate for release. Other players like George Fant and Noah Fant may also be let go to free up space. Cutting Jones could save over $11 million, which the Seahawks must consider.

Draft Picks:

• 1st Round: No. 18
• 2nd Round: No. 50
• 3rd Round: No. 82
• 4th Round (compensatory)
• 5th Round (compensatory)
• 6th Round (from Bears)
• 6th Round (compensatory)
• 7th Round

Draft Target: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

The Seahawks should prioritize the best offensive lineman available. Addressing the line is essential, as it’s been a lingering issue for years. If DK Metcalf departs, Seattle will need to adjust their receiving corps, and adding depth now would be smart given his contract situation.