The Seattle Seahawks are navigating an intriguing draft landscape this year. With only four picks in 2026, a stark contrast to the 11 selections they made last year, the Seahawks are facing a draft with limited opportunities. This year’s haul could be the second-smallest in their 50-year history, only surpassing the three picks from 2021.
Seattle holds picks at Nos. 32, 64, 96, and 166. In a draft class that’s not exactly setting the world on fire, they might decide to trade back to gather more selections, hoping to uncover hidden talent in the later rounds.
ESPN’s Field Yates suggests that Seattle is well-positioned to make such a move. Speaking on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk, Yates highlighted why their first-round pick could attract interest.
“There are two forces that Seattle has working for it at pick No. 32,” he noted. The allure of a first-round pick lies in the five years of contract control it offers.
If a player pans out, that extra year is a valuable asset.
Moreover, there’s intrigue surrounding Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who might still be available late in the first round. With teams like Arizona and the Jets picking shortly after, there’s potential for a trade if Arizona wants to leapfrog the Jets to secure Simpson.
The fifth-year option Yates mentioned gives teams a chance to extend a first-rounder’s contract into a fifth season, with a guaranteed salary influenced by position, playing time, and accolades.
Simpson is seen as the second-best quarterback prospect after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who’s projected to go first overall to the Raiders. Yates ranks Simpson as the 29th overall prospect, with Mendoza being the only other quarterback in his top 50.
Whether Seattle decides to focus on a quarterback or another position, the value of that fifth year could entice teams to make a move, providing the Seahawks with some interesting possibilities.