Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider entered this offseason with a clear game plan. Prioritizing key players like Rashid Shaheed on offense and opting for the steady presence of Josh Jobe on defense, Schneider showed his strategic side. With a solid lineup of edge rushers, he wisely avoided a costly bidding war over Boye Mafe.
These moves are logical, especially when you consider the Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning roster and the three top-100 picks Schneider holds in the upcoming draft. It's a cautious approach, but one that seems to fit the current needs of the team.
Yet, there are a few players who could have bolstered Seattle's chances of defending their Lombardi Trophy. Let’s dive into three potential additions that might have made a significant impact this year.
Wyatt Teller, Guard
Wyatt Teller may not be at his Pro Bowl peak from 2021-2023, but he remains a formidable force on the offensive line. Despite some recent injuries, the 6'4", 315-pound guard would have been a valuable upgrade for Seattle's line, which is still searching for stability at right guard.
Since joining Cleveland in 2018, Teller has been a standout right guard. While Seattle has promising talents like Anthony Bradford and prospects such as Christian Haynes and Bryce Cabeldue, Teller's experience and reliability could have solidified the line. Houston grabbed him on a two-year, $16 million deal-a moderate investment that could have kept Seattle's line performing at a high level.
Jamel Dean, Cornerback
While the Seahawks are set with starters Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe, adding depth with a player like Jamel Dean could have been a game-changer. Dean, a proven upper-tier corner, would have offered flexibility, allowing Witherspoon to maximize his dynamic abilities across the field.
With Riq Woolen no longer in the mix, the Seahawks are looking at Nehemiah Pritchett or Noah Igbinoghene as potential third corners. Both are talented, but neither offers the confidence of a seasoned player like Dean. Pittsburgh signed him for just over $12 million per season-a reasonable price for a starting corner that Seattle might wish they had paid if they don't find a strong prospect in the draft.
Keaton Mitchell, Running Back
The absence of Kenneth Walker III leaves a noticeable gap in Seattle's backfield. While Schneider stood firm on his valuation, Walker's explosive presence will be missed. Enter Keaton Mitchell-a back who, while not a direct replacement, could have added a spark.
Mitchell has shown his ability to make big plays with the Chargers, boasting impressive yards-per-rush numbers. Though he doesn't possess Walker's frame, his speed could have introduced a new dynamic to Seattle's offense, which currently lacks backfield speed.
John Schneider's track record is impressive, with multiple Super Bowl wins to his name. However, no GM gets every decision right. As the 2026 season progresses, Schneider might find himself pondering whether a few more strategic additions could have been the key to sustaining their championship success.