I was listening to the always excellent Brady Henderson on Bump & Stacy today and he had some very interesting thoughts on what could happen at the start of free agency.
It sounds like there’s a very reasonable chance Rashid Shaheed and Josh Jobe stay in Seattle. Boye Mafe and Riq Woolen appear likely to leave. There’s a question mark about Coby Bryant and Ken Walker and will likely depend on what their market is.
The biggest news, though, was Brady once again noting that it’s to be determined whether DeMarcus Lawrence will retire or return for the 2026 season. He mentioned that retirement was a consideration a year ago for Lawrence. Now, after winning a Super Bowl, will he decide to go out on a high?
If he does retire, the Seahawks aren’t just losing a key starter. They are losing a vastly experienced alpha who provided toughness, leadership and an edge to this defense. He was absolutely critical in shaping ‘the Dark Side’.
I’m sorry, but you can’t replace that with a rookie.
If the Seahawks are serious about contending again next year, this will become — for me — the biggest off-season priority. I think you’ll be able to find a running back (more on that later). I think Ty Okada has shown he can start in place of Bryant. I think this team can find either a veteran replacement for Woolen or tap into the depth at cornerback in the draft (again, more on that later).
What they can’t do is easily go out and find another D-Law.
It’s not just about talent either. It’s about being a force multiplier, as Mike Macdonald likes to say. Someone whose attitude and leadership matches their talent and performance. Someone who turns up every day and sets an example. That was so important when Lawrence and Cooper Kupp were signed.
A rookie has no chance of filling his shoes. They’ll need time to work the NFL out. They’ll have major ups and downs. They’re not going to be able to stand next to Jarran Reed at the front of the tunnel before a road game, barking at team-mates before they enter the field.
If Lawrence returns, fine. Maybe you give him a rookie apprentice. But you can’t expect a player straight out of college to replace Lawrence. It’s impossible.
This is why I’m going to go back to my favourite subject. The only obvious way to fill this void is to do what it takes to acquire Maxx Crosby.
That’s your D-Law replacement if needed. He’s an alpha. He has a ‘first in, last out’ mentality. He’s going to set the tone and play his arse off every week. He was #1 among defensive linemen in 2025 for run-stop win percentage (per ESPN). He’ll get after the quarterback.
The only way for this team to come roaring back next year is to retain Lawrence or find an adequate top-level replacement.
John Spytek the Raiders GM said today that he expected Crosby back in Las Vegas. Remember, this is the exact same language Pete Carroll used days before they traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos.
Meanwhile John Schneider mentioned a couple of times today that he’s been given the green light by Jody Allen to go for it this off-season, with the intention of trying to win another Super Bowl next year, despite the on-going sale process.
I don’t think he was just talking about Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon extensions there.
How expensive would the trade be? Whatever anyone is willing to pay. The Seahawks wanted a first round pick for DK Metcalf and had to settle for the 52nd pick a year ago. For all the reports of the Raiders wanting a Micah Parsons type haul — Crosby is older and currently recovering from surgery.
Jay Glazer, who is close to Crosby, said at the Super Bowl he thinks his time with the Raiders is done. When it gets to that point, it’s about working out the best deal. That process begins this week.
Some will support this, others won’t. I have no problem trading the #32 pick and a 2027 first rounder for Crosby — especially if the 2027 first rounder is going to be in the same range (maybe even #32 again). There will never be a more appropriate time to be aggressive.
The Seahawks won a Super Bowl in large part because of their high quality play in the trenches. Replacing Lawrence with a rookie and losing Mafe will significantly weaken that strength. A move will be needed. This is the big move.
They would still have the possibility of keeping their second and third round pick this year. One of those picks could be used on Mike Washington Jr if they need to replace Ken Walker. A blog favourite throughout the college season, he is an outstanding athlete with excellent size (6-0, 228lbs) who was the second fastest player at the Senior regardless of position. Do not be shocked if his stock explodes at the combine.
As noted yesterday, there’s also a bunch of appealing cornerbacks who will not go in the first round. You can replace Woolen with another good athlete with size and length.
This could be a much more newsworthy and fascinating off-season than I think people realise.
I talked more about these topics in today’s live stream. If you missed it, check it out below:
