Seahawks Likely To Trade Back in 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is going to raise questions on all 32 teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, who might be advised to trade back for more picks.

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It won’t be long before the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off a three-day process of college stars being selected. This Draft is the best opportunity for the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, to improve their roster. The only problem with the Seahawks is that they have only four picks in the Draft.

It comes after they traded their fourth-and fifth-round picks in the NFL Trade deadline move with the New Orleans Saints for wide receiver/return specialist Rashid Shaheed. The Seahawks need to make the most of the limited picks they have. They do, however, have a way to get more picks.

​Seahawks Might Be Best Candidates to Trade Back

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Seattle only having four picks to its remaining position needs isn’t ideal. The last time the Seahawks had less than five picks, it was the disastrous 2021 NFL Draft. If the team wants more talented players and positions addressed, trading back has to be an option. That is what ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates believes the Seahawks are likely to do. He believes the Seahawks are the most likely team to trade back in the first round.

Yates says the Seahawks could use more picks in the later rounds. The idea of having the final pick in the first round means it's the last chance for a team to trade for a player who is likely to give out a fifth-year option on their rookie deal. This makes the 32nd overall pick much more valuable, and thus, teams will create an extensive package to convince the Seahawks to trade back.

​Why the Seahawks Should Consider Trading Back

Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price, right, runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown with Syracuse defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. (1) attempting the tackled in the first half of a NCAA football game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There are a few positions that the Seahawks can go in the first round. Among them are running, interior offensive lineman, edge rusher, cornerback, wide receiver, and safety. Out of these positions, only running back and right guard or center are the only positions that could see a new starter come in. The rest of the positions, the Seahawks are to be considered luxury picks.

If the Seahawks get another team’s second-round pick, depending on where the other team is in the draft order, they could get a running back like Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price. He would be better at the starting running back position than current players like Emmanuel Wilson and George Holani, who have less explosive traits and lack experience.

The Seahawks could also find a replacement at starting right guard and center. Anthony Bradford has been a liability at right guard for most of the season, despite the strong season finish. Seattle could also get a center to start and have Jalen Sundell compete for the right guard position. Regardless, the Seahawks need more positions filled with role players and future starters, so trading back is the answer.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Super Bowl champions from Seattle Seahawks On SI —

Sign Up For the Seahawks Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Seattle Seahawks Newsletter