A week into the league year, the Seahawks have not changed much – all but four guys are back, which is mostly as expected. Frankly, they do not need much more in order to make a run at a Super Bowl repeat.

As Ernest Jones IV told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport: “Let’s just go play ball.”

The Seahawks have backfilled at running back, safety and cornerback – where they lost Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen. The biggest addition is Emanuel Wilson, but John Schneider said the team is still on the lookout for running backs.

Seattle’s other big need – for 2026 and beyond – is an impact pass rusher. Not just a rotation guy to replace Boye Mafe, but a guy who can help them beat the Rams’ line and get to Matthew Stafford.

The question is: Where are they going to get such a player?

Between veterans and the draft, there really are only two guys who might elevate the pass rush to the degree we are talking about: Maxx Crosby of the Raiders (we all know his saga very well) and Jonathan Greenard of the Vikings (he is our preferred trade target). But, at this point, the Seahawks seem unlikely to land either injured/recovering star.

Another option could be a small gamble on greatness renewed: a trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux.  

A lot would have to come together for this to be a possibility. Would Mike Macdonald think he could build up the underachieving former fifth pick in the draft?

Thibodeaux had a monster second season, with 11.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. But he has missed 12 games the past two years (wrist and shoulder injuries) and is now the Giant’s No. 3 pass rusher. He also is on the fifth-year option for $14.8 million.

So, based on the injuries and the money, the trade price probably would not be too high – maybe a pick swap (3 for a 4) and a conditional 2027 fifth-rounder (surrendered only if the Hawks re-signed him).

Macdonald then could try to work his magic on ‘Deaux and get him back to 2023 form. He would offer pass-rush depth in 2026, with the potential for something more.

With a lot of uncertainty in their front five, the Seahawks need to turn over every stone as they look to build that group for the next three years.

At RB, how about Hubbard?

The Hawks added Wilson to compete with George Holani, Kenny McIntosh and others. But Schneider said the team would keep looking for backs.

Rather than adding a vet such as Najee Harris or Brian Robinson Jr., one guy they might consider trying to acquire is Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard.

Rico Dowdle, who usurped Hubbard as the starter last season, is off to Pittsburgh, and Carolina is hoping Jonathon Brooks finally takes over as RB1 (Trevor Etienne could ascend to RB2). Basically, the Panthers have been looking for excuses to get rid of Hubbard.

A change of scenery could do wonders. He ran for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 but then was backseated in 2025. He rarely misses games and is a good receiver out of the backfield (151 receptions).

He is signed for three more years. Seattle would inherit payouts of $6 million, $7.5 million and $9.2 million.

Panthers GM Dan Morgan used to work for Schneider in Seattle, so a deal could come together easily if each side were interested.

Maybe they lay groundwork and see how the draft goes: If the Hawks do not draft a running back on Day 2, they could perhaps swap their third with Carolina for a 5 — and maybe give up a 2027 late pick as well.

Some have posited the idea of trying to make a big move for Miami’s home-run halfback, De’Von Achane. But there is no way Schneider will want to give up a high pick plus pay Achane huge money. He would have paid Walker instead, if he wanted to pay a running back.

If the Hawks do not draft a back on Day 2 or trade for Hubbard, they then would be looking at a minimum-deal vet to compete against Holani and Wilson.

There’s still a lot to figure out at that position.

Draft options at Edge & RB

If the Hawks just wait until the draft to address edge rusher and running back, their top options from 32 to 64 (wherever they end up picking in that range) appear to be:

• ER Zion Young, Missouri (38 on consensus board)
• ER R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma (42)
• RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame (50)
• ER Gabe Jacas, Illinois (58)
• ER Derrick Moore, Michigan (61)
• ER Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida (62)
• RB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas (72)

Of course, there are a lot of defensive backs who will be tempting — starting with Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (if he slides to 32) and San Diego State’s Chris Johnson.

The Seahawks also seem interested in Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald at 32.

If they use only one of their top two picks on a running back or edge rusher, that is where the trade of their third-rounder for either Thibodeaux or Hubbard could come into play.

Those deals might seem unlikely, but you never know what Schneider might have cooking — he has surprised us before.