NFL.com projects Seattle Seahawks as second-ranked defense for 2026

NFL.com analyst Gennaro Filice ranks the Seattle Seahawks as having the second-best defensive unit heading into the 2026 season. Despite the team winning the Super Bowl last year, the forecast identifies several offseason personnel departures as factors preventing the group from holding the top spot. Specifically, the loss of defensive back Coby Bryant, alongside Boye Mafe and Riq Woolen, is expected to create a transition period for the roster. The current unit remains anchored by veterans Leonard Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Ernest Jones IV. Young contributors such as Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, and Byron Murphy II are also expected to play significant roles. The team now relies on filling depth vacancies, including finding a replacement for Bryant, to maintain its status among the league's elite defensive rankings.

• 4:06 PMYahoo Sports — Seahawks forecasted by NFL.com have No. 2 defense in NFL in 2026