As the NFL free agency period approaches, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a crossroads with some crucial decisions on the horizon. Among the key players potentially leaving is edge rusher Boye Mafe, a standout from the 2022 draft.
Mafe's tenure in Seattle has been marked by impressive stats: 24 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, 14 passes defended, and three forced fumbles. His 2023 season was particularly noteworthy, with a career-high nine sacks and a franchise record of at least one sack in seven consecutive games.
However, this past season saw a dip in his numbers, with just four tackles for loss and two sacks. Yet, these figures don't paint the full picture. Mafe ranked eighth in ESPN’s pass-block win rate among edge rushers and notched 40 quarterback pressures, just one shy of teammate Derick Hall.
Despite his potential, Mafe’s return to Seattle seems uncertain. Should he depart, the Seahawks will need to consider their options for a new edge rusher. Analyst and former NFL wide receiver Michael Bumpus shared insights on the matter during his Four Down Territory segment on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy.
Bumpus also discussed the possibility of DeMarcus Lawrence not returning in 2026. Lawrence, who joined the Seahawks seeking a Super Bowl victory, has an option to exit his contract next season. At 34, he might choose to retire on a high note after securing his first Lombardi Trophy.
“If Boye Mafe and D-Law don’t come back, there’s some budget to work with, even considering the need to extend Jaxon Smith-Njigba,” Bumpus noted. “Jaelan Phillips from Philly tops the wish list. After that, it’s about finding bargains.”
Phillips, a former first-round pick, has made his mark with the Dolphins and Eagles, recording seven tackles for loss, five sacks, and 73 quarterback pressures last season. His career stats include 32 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, and an interception over 63 games.
Spotrac values Phillips at approximately $17.3 million annually, while Mafe’s worth is around $12.2 million, with both projected for three-year deals.
“I’m eyeing Jaelan Phillips. He’s pricey, but he brings a lot to the table,” Bumpus remarked. “In an ideal scenario, both Mafe and D-Law would return.”
As the Seahawks navigate these pivotal decisions, fans can expect an intriguing offseason filled with strategic moves and potential roster changes.