One big question remains for Seahawks after the draft

The Seattle Seahawks addressed almost every roster need during this past week’s NFL Draft.

Where Seahawks’ draft picks could fit on the depth chart

They injected big-time firepower into their running back room with first-round pick Jadarian Price. They bolstered their secondary with ball-hawking safety Bud Clark and physical cornerback Julian Neal. And they added All-American offensive lineman Beau Stephens, who could challenge Anthony Bradford at right guard.

But the one area they surprisingly didn’t address was edge rusher – which remains a need both for 2026 and beyond.

In the short-term, the Seahawks need to replace free agent departure Boye Mafe. And looking ahead, there are varying degrees of long-term question marks around DeMarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall.

Lawrence, who reportedly was considering retirement earlier this offseason, turns 34 this week. Nwosu, who missed significant time with injuries in 2023 and 2024, turns 30 in December. And Hall is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

The Seahawks do have several young, developmental edge rushers they’re excited about in Connor O’Toole, Jared Ivey and Jamie Sheriff. In particular, they kept O’Toole and Ivey on the 53-man roster throughout last season to protect them from waiver claims – despite both playing limited snaps.

“We’re really excited about those guys, and they really worked really hard last year,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said. “And I think all of them were ready to go if need be to go play in a game. It’s just that’s the way the roster shook out on a week-to-week basis.

“So yeah, we’re fired up about those guys.”

But at the same time, all three of those players are unproven at the NFL level.

That’s why many expect the Seahawks to add one of the remaining veteran edge rushers who are still available on the free agent market.

“Yeah, we may,” Seahawks general manager John Schneider said when asked during Saturday’s post-draft press conference if that’s still a possibility.

One potential option is 31-year-old former No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler, who took a free agency visit with Seattle earlier this month. He has 58.5 sacks over his 10-year NFL career, including 3.0 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 and 10.5 sacks with the Washington Commanders in 2024.

If the Seahawks do sign a veteran edge rusher, it’s quite possible that waiting until after the draft has been the plan all along.

That’s because any free agent signed after 1 p.m. Monday doesn’t affect the NFL’s compensatory draft pick formula.

The Seahawks are currently projected to receive four compensatory picks for the 2027 draft as a result of their free agent departures this offseason, according to Over The Cap. That would give them a total of 11 picks in next year’s draft.

Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft coverage

• What experts are saying about the Seattle Seahawks’ draft class
• Seahawks 2026 NFL Draft Breakdown: A look at Seattle’s 8 picks
• Seahawks 2026 UDFA Tracker: Keep up with every reported signing
• Seahawks make 4 trades during NFL Draft, double class to 8
• Who Seattle Seahawks’ NFC West rivals picked in NFL Draft

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