Seattle Won It All, But These Three Stars Are STILL Playing For Their Future

Alright, 12s, let's talk about it! Our Seahawks just wrapped up an insane offseason, with GM John Schneider pulling off some big moves. Yeah, we lost some guys like Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant, and Boye Mafe, but Schneider locked down some absolute playmakers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed got their deals, and let's not forget Josh Jobe and EDGE Derick Hall, who snagged a four-year, $42.5 million extension. Plus, we had a strong draft. All that's awesome for *this* season, but listen, even after winning it all last year, some of our most important guys are playing for their next contract in 2026. We're talking about making sure we stay competitive for years to come, and these three players need to prove they're worth that long-term commitment.

Okada's Ascension: From Undrafted to Unstoppable?

Remember when Coby Bryant left in free agency? A lot of us probably blinked, but the front office was cool because of Ty Okada. This dude, a former undrafted free agent, has just flat-out *ascended* into a trusted starter. He's battling rookie Bud Clark for that spot opposite Julian Love this season, but make no mistake, Okada put in WORK in 2025. We saw him rack up 65 tackles, six pass breakups, and a clutch interception. If he puts up another monster season like that in 2026, he's going to earn a massive pay raise, and you better believe the Seahawks need to be the ones handing him that check. Locking him up is crucial for our secondary moving forward.

Charbonnet's Comeback: A Race Against the Clock

This one hurts, man. Zach Charbonnet was set to be our undisputed No. 1

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running back after Kenneth Walker's contract expired. But then, a torn ACL in the postseason completely flipped the script. He's not expected to be ready for Week 1, which means rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price is getting the keys early. That's a bummer for Zach, but it also gives him a huge chip on his shoulder. He was coming off a breakout 2025 campaign, dropping 12 touchdowns in the regular season! Once he's healthy, he's going to be absolutely flying, trying to prove he deserves that second contract. If he gives us that boost in the second half of this season, it could be the spark we need to keep rolling.

Sam Darnold: The King With More to Prove?

Can we just talk about Sam Darnold for a second? When we traded Geno Smith and signed Darnold to that three-year, $100.5 million deal, everyone called it a risk, right? He led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024, but the doubters were everywhere. And then? Bro. After just one year, it was clear John Schneider made the right call. Darnold didn't just lead us to a 14-win season in 2025, *we won it all*. Yeah, the Super Bowl, baby! Now he's in the second year of that contract, and you'd think he'd be cruising, but nope. He's still out to prove he's not just a one-hit wonder and that he's the long-term answer for our squad. This season is huge for solidifying his legacy in the Emerald City. So, as we gear up for what promises to be another wild NFL season, keep an eye on these three. Their performances in 2026 aren't just about winning games, they're about securing their futures and cementing the Seahawks' competitive window for years to come. Every snap, every tackle, every touchdown matters. Let's go Hawks!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.