Edelman Predicts Seahawks Repeat, Cites Roster Continuity

Edelman Predicts Seahawks Repeat, Cites Roster Continuity

Julian Edelman said he expects the Seattle Seahawks to remain the NFL's team to beat in 2026, pointing to their retained roster and quarterback Sam Darnold's mindset entering the new season. The former NFL receiver, now an analyst on "FOX NFL Kickoff," made the comments Tuesday on "The Herd."

Edelman said Seattle returns 20 of 22 starters from its Super Bowl LX-winning team and credited Darnold's competitiveness, noting the quarterback was reportedly displeased with his own performance in the Super Bowl despite the win, after a strong outing against the Los Angeles Rams the week prior. Edelman also praised head coach Mike Macdonald, describing him as calm and connected with players while carrying what Edelman called an "alpha" edge rooted in his defensive background. bkfc betting odds

Seattle finished the 2025 season 14-3, a franchise record for regular-season wins, and captured its first NFC West title since 2020 en route to its second Super Bowl championship, following its first in the 2013 season. Under Darnold in his debut year with the team, the offense - then run by coordinator Klint Kubiak - ranked third in the NFL in scoring at 28.4 points per game and eighth in total yards at 351.4 per game. Kubiak has since left to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, with former 49ers offensive assistant Brian Fleury taking over play-calling duties. Seattle's defense, which returns coordinator Aden Durde for a third season, ranked first in the league in points allowed (17.2 per game) and sixth in total yards allowed (285.6 per game).

The Seahawks' offseason has centered on retaining core players rather than pursuing outside additions. Seattle signed wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a four-year, $168.6 million extension and cornerback Devon Witherspoon to a four-year, $132 million deal, both making them the highest-paid players at their respective positions. The team also extended defensive lineman Leonard Williams on a three-year, $90 million contract, re-signed wide receiver and returner Rashid Shaheed for three years and $51 million, and retained cornerback Josh Jobe on a three-year, $24 million deal. In the draft, Seattle selected Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the No. 32 overall pick, addressing the departure of Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl LX MVP.

Edelman contrasted Seattle's approach with the attention surrounding the Rams, who enter the season with reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback and offseason additions including defensive end Myles Garrett, acquired from Cleveland, and cornerback Trent McDuffie, acquired from Kansas City. Los Angeles also saw defensive lineman Aaron Donald end a two-year retirement to rejoin the team. Edelman argued Seattle's relative lack of hype could work in its favor as the Seahawks open the regular season at home against the New England Patriots on Wednesday night, a rematch of Super Bowl LX.