The Seattle Seahawks began their 2026 training camp on July 24, entering the season as defending Super Bowl champions yet generating less offseason attention than many expected. Despite their dominant victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 and a record sale price that underscored their value, the Seahawks have found themselves somewhat overshadowed, particularly by teams like the Los Angeles Rams and the Patriots, who have made high-profile additions such as Myles Garrett and A.J. Brown respectively.

Seattle’s subdued offseason presence appears to reflect the team’s philosophy rather than a lack of potential. Head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff have emphasized continuity and measured confidence rather than fanfare in their preparation for a repeat title run.

Key to the Seahawks’ prospects is the retention of much of their core roster. While the offseason saw notable departures including offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, Seattle maintained every other offensive starter from last season’s championship team. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, formerly with the San Francisco 49ers, is building upon Kubiak’s foundation with adjustments aimed to enhance the Seahawks’ existing scheme. Quarterback Sam Darnold expressed optimism about the transition, noting that despite Fleury being his seventh offensive coordinator in seven seasons, the change has not been disruptive.

The running game, however, remains an area of uncertainty for Seattle. Walker’s departure to the Kansas City Chiefs and injury to Zach Charbonnet have left the backfield relatively untested. General manager John Schneider addressed this by selecting Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick, signaling a desire to maintain the ability for explosive running plays despite Price’s limited history as a workhorse back. The offensive line’s return of all five starters, an improvement area last season, offers additional support for the ground attack’s potential growth.

Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, acquired midseason in 2025, has yet to fully realize his deep-threat potential but remains a critical component of the offense after signing a three-year, $51 million contract. Alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Offensive Player of the Year, and second-year receiver Tory Horton, Seattle’s receiving corps aims to provide consistent vertical options that can relieve pressure on the running game and the offense overall.

Defensively, the Seahawks boast one of the NFL’s most formidable units, often referred to as the “Dark Side.” Coordinator Macdonald’s defense led the league in points allowed last season and finished eighth in all-time DVOA since 1978. The defensive line remains anchored by stars Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II, though the departure of edge rusher Boye Mafe alters depth at that position. Still, veterans DeMarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu, and Derick Hall preserve a robust pass rush, while the secondary, despite losses including safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen, still features promising talent such as Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe, and nickelback Nick Emmanwori.

Strategically, Seattle’s advantage may lie not in overpowering strength in one area, but in a balanced roster with few conspicuous weaknesses. Right guard Anthony Bradford has shown vulnerability against elite pass rushers, and safety depth behind Julian Love remains an open question, with second-round pick Bud Clark expected to develop into a key figure alongside incumbent Ty Okada. However, these concerns have not hindered the Seahawks’ overall effectiveness, as evidenced by their minimal sack count and aggressive offensive approach last season.

As the NFL calendar turns toward the regular season, Seattle’s combination of continuity, defensive prowess, and emerging offensive pieces positions the Seahawks as a team worthy of serious consideration in their bid to repeat as league champions.