Ty Okada’s rise has become one of the quieter success stories inside the Seahawks’ Dark Side Defense. The former undrafted safety didn’t arrive with much buzz, and at 5-11, 200 pounds, he doesn’t exactly jump off the screen as a bruising enforcer. But he carved out a real role anyway, and now he heads into the 2026 NFL season projected to start full time for Seattle.
That kind of climb didn’t happen by accident. Okada spent last season showing he could handle more than just spot duty, stepping in as a starter for injured players and appearing in all 17 games while making 11 starts. For a player who entered the year with limited production and no real expectations, that workload says plenty about how the Seahawks viewed him by the end of the season.
The numbers back up the trust. Okada finished the 2024 season with 65 total tackles, 46 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six pass breakups and an interception.
He also showed he could function as a dependable coverage player, especially in zone looks along the short side of the field. Seattle appears set to use him at strong safety, with Julian Love at free safety this coming season.
What makes Okada useful is not size or flash, but discipline. He plays with patience, takes good pursuit angles and brings a steady, smart approach to the back end.
That combination of football IQ and aggression helped him stick, even when the odds were against him. It also gave the Seahawks a player they can count on in a defense that’s built on toughness and speed.
Still, the limitations are real. Bigger running backs and tight ends can create problems for him, especially when the play turns into a contested catch situation. His size also raises questions about how he handles deeper routes, and he had some issues last season when trying to limit those explosive plays.
That’s why there’s still some skepticism around whether he can hold up over a full season. The Seahawks are adjusting things to keep him out of trouble, but Okada will still need to play above his physical limitations. And if he doesn’t, there are fans already looking toward rookie Bud Clark as a possible replacement, which would likely send Clark to free safety and move Love to strong safety.
Okada is also playing for another contract this season, which only adds to the pressure. The Seahawks have reason to believe he can be a key piece again, but the next step is about proving that his breakout wasn’t just a one-year answer.
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