The Biggest X-Factor on the Seahawks Defense This Season

Seattle Seahawks defensive back Ty Okada is going into his fourth season with the team after being an undrafted free agent in the 2023 NFL draft.

He didn't play much in his first two years, but last season gave him the opportunity to join the starting lineup, resulting in his best season to date. Now that he has a lot of confidence in his game, he's looking to express that in the 2026 season.

"It builds that trust in not only myself…but also just having the trust of my coaches and teammates and the ability to go out there and play free instead of going out there to not make a mistake or not lose the job or not screw up," Okada said via the team's website.

"It's all about 'Let me actually go attack this, take advantage of it, be the player that I know I can be.' Having that confidence has helped tremendously."

Year	Stats
2023	1 tackle (5 games)
2024	3 tackles (4 games)
2025	65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception (17 games, 11 starts)

Ty Okada Plays Unique Role for Seahawks Defense

Seattle Seahawks safety Ty Okada during minicamp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Okada's understanding of the defense is why he is on the field as often as he is. He learned a lot during the 2024 season, his first year in the Pacific Northwest, and he studied the playbook hard, allowing him to take the league by storm in 2025.

Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV has seen his growth over the years, and he explained why Okada is such an important piece to the defense.

"I think where Ty's grown at is he's just more in command in his voice and speaking up when things aren't right," Jones said via the team's website. "And he's just also just taking the next level to his game, being ahead of plays, being that safety in the back that you depend on Ty. You know Ty's going to be where he needs to be. I think that's just where he's at in his career and where he's always been."

The scariest part about Okada's game is that he is still growing, going into his age-27 season. Okada was a walk-on in college and brought that mentality to the NFL. He's always going to have that desire to keep getting better, and it has led him to this point. That mindset will only continue to develop as long as he gets the opportunity to play, and if he continues to develop like he has, Seattle will have him on the field often in 2026.

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