Winning a Super Bowl is one thing; maintaining that level of success is quite another. The Seattle Seahawks are stepping into the 2026 offseason as the team everyone wants to beat, fresh off a championship that redefined their franchise. Now, they're facing the financial realities that come with success.
Under the guidance of General Manager John Schneider, the Seahawks have embraced a philosophy of balance-drafting, developing, and strategically supplementing their roster. This approach has positioned them uniquely as defending champions with enviable cap flexibility.
But, as any seasoned fan knows, that flexibility can vanish quickly when it’s time to extend contracts for star players. To ensure their Super Bowl win is more than a one-time event, Seattle needs to manage their cap space wisely.
Here are four key moves they should consider.
The 2025 season was a landmark for Seattle. With a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, they capped off a historic 14-3 regular season under head coach Mike Macdonald. Their defense was a fortress, allowing just 17.2 points per game-the lowest in the league.
Offensively, the spotlight was on Sam Darnold, who turned his career around in spectacular fashion. Jaxon Smith-Njigba also broke out as one of the league's top receivers. Seattle’s playoff run was historic, as they became the first team to win the Super Bowl without a single turnover, signaling a shift in the NFC power dynamics.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Seahawks have around $72-73 million in cap space, ranking them among the league leaders in financial flexibility. But this freedom is more complex than it seems.
Darnold, now a franchise cornerstone at 28, carries a $37.9 million cap hit in the final year of his deal. JSN and Devon Witherspoon are due for extensions, and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, along with cornerback Riq Woolen, are set to hit free agency.
To keep the core intact and maintain the ability to add impactful veterans, Schneider must create additional cap room. Here’s how they can do it.
Darnold’s transformation is complete, and his $37.9 million cap hit is more opportunity than obstacle. A simple restructure could slash his 2026 cap hit by about $21.9 million, converting much of his base salary into a signing bonus spread over future years. This gives Darnold long-term security and frees up space to retain key players.
Championship teams often face tough decisions. Uchenna Nwosu, a leader on the defensive front, is scheduled for a $20.7 million cap hit.
With injuries affecting his play and younger talents like Derick Hall rising, Seattle could release Nwosu, saving about $11.5 million. This move aligns with their strategy of youth and depth on defense.
Leonard Williams is crucial to Seattle’s defensive scheme, but his $29.6 million cap hit in 2026 needs addressing. Extending his contract by two or three years and restructuring guarantees could reduce his cap hit by about $10 million. This keeps a key defender in place and provides cap relief, honoring Williams’ wish to finish his career in Seattle.
Cooper Kupp was instrumental in Seattle’s championship push. Though not the focal point with JSN’s emergence, Kupp’s experience and versatility remain vital. At 33, his $17.47 million cap hit can be lowered by converting roster bonuses into a signing bonus, saving about $5.8 million.
These strategic moves could free up over $49 million in cap space, allowing Seattle to extend JSN and Witherspoon, retain key free agents like Walker and Woolen, and pursue upgrades without jeopardizing their future.
Building a dynasty is about more than just talent; it’s about timing and cap management. The Seahawks are in a prime position, but sustaining success requires proactive financial strategies. Their Super Bowl victory could be the start of a new era, but it all hinges on treating cap space as a strategic asset.