Stacy: Why fans always ask about these 4 non-star Seahawks

There’s always fan intrigue around the Seattle Seahawks’ biggest stars.

Can Jaxon Smith-Njigba break records again? Will Sam Darnold continue to prove doubters wrong? Can rookie running back Jadarian Price fill the shoes of Ken Walker?

Seahawks players, coaches receive their Super Bowl rings

But we notice when listeners text in about players who aren’t in the spotlight quite as often. That’s especially true when we see the same names over and over. No, really: I’m talking about dozens of texts a week about one or more of these guys. And when you see that, you start to wonder what it is that’s keeping fans intrigued. What is it about these players that keeps Seahawks fans wanting to see more?

So, when it comes to listener questions, these are the most popular non-superstars.

FB Robbie Ouzts

One of the most commonly submitted names for Seahawks questions, I think, is in no small part because of what San Francisco has done with 10-time Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

But it feels unfair to expect two things: one, that Robbie Ouzts can give you Juszczyk numbers; and two, that Ouzts can fill a significant role as a second running back in a group likely to start the season without Zach Charbonnet.

That doesn’t mean intrigue is unwarranted, and it especially doesn’t mean there’s no real story here. As my co-host Michael Bumpus puts it: the excitement shouldn’t be around expecting Ouzts himself to contribute big numbers, but instead about how a fullback can unlock facets of Seattle’s offense. And that’s pretty massive.

“I think people look at Juszczyk and think of the numbers he’s put up,” Bump said. “Those are the types of plays people are looking for. But last year he had 24 receptions for 213 yards. He had two carries for minus-3 rushing yards — I bet you would’ve sworn he had more than that. So I think people have felt something with him that isn’t necessarily true when it comes to his production, but when it comes to the influence he has, it’s absolutely true.”

And that’s what Ouzts can help unlock.

“He’s an influencer,” Bump said. “He’s what these kids are doing in the gym with their TikToks — no, I’m kidding. He’s an influencer of the defense.”

DL Rylie Mills

Fans weren’t too concerned about defensive line depth earlier in the season when Rylie Mills was still out recovering from injury, but you better believe they wanted to see more after a monster sack (the first of his career!) in the Super Bowl.

That might be setting the bar just a little too high, but football fans love a mauler, and it’s exactly what Mills looked like there (video included so you can rewatch to your heart’s delight).

Rylie Mills fights through the lineman for another Seahawks sack!

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— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026

We chatted with Mills earlier this week about his role entering Year 2. Expect to see a bit more of him, particularly as he looks to be used in more spots.

“I think my role coming up this year is being able to play all down the line,” Mills said. “Going there when someone needs to fill in on a spot and try to cause havoc.”

RB Kenny McIntosh

This one makes sense given the depth concerns Seattle had at running back entering the offseason. But we’ve been getting quite a few questions about Kenny McIntosh dating back to his rookie season under Pete Carroll, which is always surprising for a late round selection.

So… why do we think that is?

Bump pointed to his pass-catching ability.

“Coming out of college he led all running backs in receiving yards,” Bump said of the Georgia product. “A national champion. And there was a time he got an opportunity to run the rock and he looked pretty good. In 2024, there was a game he averaged 7.0 a clip against the Rams. I think it was the last three games we saw that made us think this young man has potential.

“And look, when you play for a program like Georgia, you’re going to get the benefit of the doubt (even without those extra appearances). He’s not Charbonnet; he’s not going to run through you. He’s going to run by you, and he can receive the football, and I think it’s that versatility that’s led fans to want to see more.”

Keep that now-crowded RB room in mind, though, because George Holani (and the rookie Price) are going to get the bulk of those reps. McIntosh will need to showcase that speed, flexibility as a receiver, and pass blocking to fight for more — a tricky task coming off a torn ACL. For now, you’re just watching to see whether or not he’s participating in the early days of training camp.

WR Tory Horton

“Don’t forget about Tory Horton” has to be a text we see at least once a week — or at least it is during conversations about receiver depth.

Horton finished third on the Seahawks in receiving touchdowns (five) despite missing a good portion of the season (and offseason so far) recovering from a shin injury. The intrigue here, Bump feels, is real.

“(That intrigue) is for good reason, though, man,” said Bump, a former NFL receiver himself. “When you don’t get a lot of opportunities, you have to make the most of them. And that’s exactly what Horton did. From this list of names, this is probably the one that’s most warranted because he’s touched the end zone five times already, and did it efficiently with just 13 receptions.”

The problem? His timeline to return from injury is still a bit unclear. Click here for the latest from Mike Macdonald on when Seahawks fans can expect to see Horton return to practice.

For more, listen to the first segment in the podcast from Wednesday’s Bump and Stacy below.

Seattle Seahawks news and more

• Seahawks follow minicamp practice with community visits
• Macdonald explains why Seahawks signed OT Bobby Hart
• Seattle Seahawks announce 2026 training camp schedule

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