As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to square off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, there’s more than just a Lombardi Trophy on the line. For teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, this game also offers a front-row look at several potential offseason targets - particularly among Seattle’s pending free agents.
Let’s break down a few names to keep an eye on, especially with the Bengals potentially facing key departures on their own roster.
Boye Mafe: A Disruptor with Untapped Upside
Boye Mafe’s stat sheet in 2025 doesn’t jump off the page - just two sacks - but don’t let that fool you. This is a player who still managed 41 pressures on the season, showing he can consistently get into the backfield even if the sack numbers didn’t follow. That kind of disruption matters, especially in today’s NFL where pressure often equals production, even if it doesn’t always show up in the box score.
At 27 years old and a former second-round pick, Mafe has both the pedigree and the physical tools to be a difference-maker. He’s just a year removed from a six-sack campaign in 2024 and had nine the year before that - so the ceiling is clearly there.
PFF recently slotted him at No. 22 on their Top 250 Free Agents list, and he’s projected to land a three-year, $49 million deal. That’s a significant investment, but if the Bengals lose both Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson, Mafe could be a logical - and potentially high-upside - replacement on the edge.
Coby Bryant: A Familiar Face with Playmaking Ability
Coby Bryant might be one of the more underrated names to watch this offseason. He’s turning 27 soon and has quietly become a steady force in the Seahawks’ secondary. Over the past two seasons, he’s posted a strong 80.9 run defense grade and picked off seven passes - numbers that speak to both his physicality and ball skills.
What makes Bryant particularly interesting for the Bengals is his Cincinnati connection. He played his college ball with the Bearcats, so there’s already a level of familiarity and fan recognition that could make him a natural fit.
With Geno Stone unlikely to return, there’s an opening in the secondary, and Bryant could fill it at a projected cost of around $7 million per year. That’s a reasonable price for a versatile defensive back who brings both production and leadership.
Tariq Woolen: Size, Speed, and a Steep Price Tag
At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Tariq Woolen is one of the most physically imposing corners in the league. He’s long, fast, and has shown flashes of lockdown potential since entering the NFL. But while his skill set is enticing, his fit in Cincinnati might be a little more complicated.
The Bengals appear committed to keeping Dax Hill on the outside, and that could limit the need - or budget - for another high-priced corner. Woolen is projected to command around $15 million per year, which is a hefty tag for what would essentially be a third outside corner on the depth chart.
Still, his name belongs in the conversation. Teams don’t often get a shot at a corner with this kind of upside in free agency.
Rashid Shaheed: A Game-Changer on Special Teams
Rashid Shaheed might not be a household name just yet, but he’s been a spark plug since arriving in Seattle via a midseason trade. His speed is real, and he’s made it count - scoring both a kickoff and a punt return touchdown since joining the Seahawks.
But it’s not just the return game. Shaheed has also proven to be a reliable deep threat on offense and, perhaps most impressively, hasn’t dropped a single pass all season. That kind of dependability, paired with explosive playmaking, makes him one of the more intriguing all-purpose weapons hitting the market.
The challenge for Cincinnati? Cost.
Shaheed’s price tag could push him out of range, especially for a team that already has several mouths to feed on offense. Still, it’s hard to ignore a player who can flip field position - or a game - in an instant.
Final Thoughts
The Super Bowl is always a showcase of elite talent, but for teams like the Bengals, it’s also a scouting opportunity. Whether it’s Mafe’s pass-rushing potential, Bryant’s versatility, Woolen’s rare physical traits, or Shaheed’s game-breaking ability, there are several Seahawks who could be on Cincinnati’s radar this offseason.
The Bengals have some key decisions to make in free agency, and what happens in this game - and how these players perform under the brightest lights - could go a long way in shaping those choices.