The Seahawks have had a whirlwind start to the offseason, making major roster moves in quick succession. Within about 55 hours the previous week, they either traded or released their three highest-paid and most recognizable players. Then, over the next five days, they swiftly found replacements.
Following Friday’s agreement with 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Yakima native Cooper Kupp, the Seahawks may now take a brief pause to regroup.
Seattle’s aggressive approach in free agency led to the signing or re-signing of seven players within six days, amounting to just over $237 million in total contracts—ranking third in the NFL behind the Vikings ($245 million) and Patriots ($238.5 million), per OverTheCap.com.
Much of this spending counterbalances the $108 million in cap space the team freed up by moving on from Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett—though Seattle still absorbs approximately $48 million in dead cap from those departures.
National Reaction to the Kupp Signing
Kupp agreed to a three-year contract worth up to $45 million, though as of Saturday, full details—including guaranteed money and cap implications—had yet to be disclosed.
Early reactions to the signing were generally favorable, though many noted that Kupp’s ability to stay healthy remains a concern.
Pro Football Network graded the move a B, highlighting that despite parting ways with Smith and Metcalf, Seattle is clearly not entering a rebuild. While Kupp isn’t a direct replacement for Metcalf, he will serve as the No. 2 receiver alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The site also pointed out that Kupp’s $15 million annual salary is reasonable compared to over-30 receivers like Chris Godwin ($22 million per year) and Davante Adams ($22 million). However, his injury history—missing at least five games in each of the past three seasons—creates some risk.
Pro Football Focus was more measured, calling it an “average” move. The site acknowledged that if Kupp plays a full season, he remains a productive receiver. In 2024, he averaged 1.88 yards per route run, ranking 32nd among wide receivers.
Can Kupp and Smith-Njigba Coexist?
A key question following the signing was how Kupp and Smith-Njigba would fit together, given that both have predominantly played from the slot.
Pro Football Network noted that the Seahawks appear to be prioritizing talent over positional fit, as both players lined up in the slot for over 60% of their snaps last season. Additionally, new quarterback Sam Darnold targeted the perimeter far more often than the slot while in Minnesota, ranking among the bottom five in slot target percentage in 2024.
However, others pointed out that Smith-Njigba’s slot-heavy usage came under Ryan Grubb’s offensive scheme, and with a new system led by Klint Kubiak, he could be deployed differently.
ESPN analyst Matt Bowen, a former NFL safety, downplayed concerns about the fit, saying the scheme in Seattle should allow Kupp to see consistent targets as the No. 2 receiver.
Bowen also highlighted how Kubiak’s offense will incorporate more motion and play-action, which benefits Kupp by creating better opportunities to get open.
Bowen projected Kupp to receive 110 targets, 75 catches, 862 yards, and five touchdowns—comparable to Metcalf’s 2024 stat line of 108 targets, 66 catches, 992 yards, and five touchdowns.
What’s Next for the Seahawks?
As of Saturday, contract details for Darnold, Kupp, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Josh Jones, and DeMarcus Lawrence had not yet been processed on public cap-tracking sites, making it unclear how much salary cap space remains.
Before those signings, Seattle had just over $60 million available. They’ll also need about $4.2 million for their incoming rookie class.
With most top free agents already signed—only three of the top 25 on NFL.com’s list remain available, including Aaron Rodgers—Seattle now enters “phase two” of free agency. This stage typically involves signing players to shorter, lower-cost, “prove-it” deals.
Will Seattle Address the Offensive Line?
Adding another offensive lineman appears likely, as the only current addition is Jones, who is expected to serve as a backup at both tackle positions.
Signing a guard or center would make sense, but acquiring Kupp and addressing the receiver position could give Seattle more flexibility to use one of its 10 draft picks—five of which are in the top 52—on offensive line help.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah speculated that Seattle could target North Dakota State guard/center Gray Zabel at No. 18 and Georgia center Jared Wilson at No. 52.
Veteran free agents still available will likely be measured against potential rookie options in the draft. However, the Seahawks are reportedly bringing in Bears guard Teven Jenkins for a visit on Monday.
Are There Any Remaining Needs?
Seattle has filled out most of its projected starting lineup, with Lawrence replacing Dre’Mont Jones at defensive end, Kupp/Valdes-Scantling stepping in for Metcalf/Lockett, and Darnold taking over for Smith. Meanwhile, Ernest Jones IV and Jarran Reed are returning.
Still, depth remains a priority, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. Seattle could also look to add another interior defensive lineman or seek value signings elsewhere.
One under-the-radar move was Seattle’s re-signing of cornerback Josh Jobe, who is expected to be the team’s No. 3 cornerback. With Jobe and Lawrence added, 17 of the 22 players from Seattle’s final 2024 defensive depth chart are now under contract.
Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed confidence in the team’s defensive moves, saying, “I feel tremendous about those moves. Just getting those guys back … I think we’re building something cool on defense.”
Additional Moves
Seattle reportedly agreed to a deal with cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles on Saturday, according to ESPN.
Jean-Charles, 26, was a fifth-round pick by the Packers in 2021 out of Appalachian State. He has appeared in 37 NFL games, primarily as a special teams contributor, logging 451 special teams snaps compared to 193 defensive snaps. Last season with the Saints, he played in nine games, recorded 14 tackles, and had two pass breakups.