The Seattle Seahawks are navigating the choppy waters of free agency with a strategic eye on the future. Last week, the team saw four key players depart: Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III is now with the Kansas City Chiefs, edge rusher Boye Mafe has joined the Cincinnati Bengals, safety Coby Bryant signed with the Chicago Bears, and cornerback Riq Woolen is headed to the Philadelphia Eagles.
While losing such talent might seem daunting, the Seahawks have a silver lining. These departures are projected to bring Seattle four compensatory picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, according to Over The Cap. Specifically, they’re looking at a fourth-round pick for Mafe and three fifth-rounders for Walker, Bryant, and Woolen.
Now, if you’re wondering what compensatory picks are, here’s the scoop: these picks are awarded to teams that lose more qualifying free agents than they gain in the offseason. The NFL uses a formula considering a player's average salary, snap count, and postseason awards to determine the value of these picks, which are distributed between rounds 3 and 7.
With these projected compensatory picks, the Seahawks are on track to boast 12 picks in the 2027 draft. This includes their original seven picks, the four comp picks, and a conditional seventh-rounder from a trade with the Atlanta Falcons.
After drafting 11 players in 2025, Seattle has just four selections in the upcoming 2026 draft. However, with the 2027 class anticipated to be stronger, focusing on future draft capital seems wise.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter highlighted this trend on his podcast, noting that teams are eager to stockpile picks for 2027. “The most underrated part of free agency... was how much teams are trying to hoard draft picks for 2027,” Schefter explained. The upcoming draft is expected to be rich in quarterback talent and other key positions, making those picks highly coveted.
So, while the Seahawks bid farewell to some familiar faces, they’re setting the stage for a promising future, armed with a treasure trove of draft assets.