The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for their 2026 training camp, and with a rare level of continuity in their offensive and defensive snaps, the focus is on the battles for starting roles and roster spots. With nearly 87% of their championship-winning team returning, the Seahawks have a strong foundation, but there are still fierce competitions across the board.
One of the most intriguing battles is at quarterback, where Sam Darnold is the clear favorite to retain his starting spot. However, the team is likely to roster three quarterbacks, with Drew Lock serving as an experienced backup and Jalen Milroe as a developmental project. Milroe's dual-threat abilities and potential role as a change-of-pace weapon are particularly fascinating, and his performance in training camp and preseason will be crucial.
At running back, the Seahawks are likely to adopt a running-back-by-committee approach, with Jadarian Price as the favorite to open as RB1. George Holani and Emanuel Wilson are the likely candidates to join Price in the backfield, while Kenny McIntosh and Jacardia Wright are also in the mix. The position is particularly interesting given the injuries to Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, and the team's approach to the position will be a key indicator of their strategy for the season.
The wide receiver position is also a key area of focus, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed, and Tory Horton returning as the top four wideouts. The team is likely to keep a sixth receiver to fill Dareke Young's role as a gunner and special teams stalwart, with Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Irv Charles, Cody White, and Ricky White III all in contention. Henderson, in particular, is an intriguing prospect with his combination of speed, receiving upside, and proven special teams prowess.
At tight end, the Seahawks will look to get more out of Elijah Arroyo, who is a prime breakout candidate with his unique size-speed combo. AJ Barner is also a key player, and the team will look to utilize his potential fully if healthy. The position is particularly interesting given the versatility of Brady Russell, who can play both fullback and tight end, and the team's approach to the position will be a key indicator of their strategy for the season.
The offensive line is another area of focus, with the Seahawks returning all 11 offensive linemen who played snaps last season and adding All-American guard Beau Stephens as a fifth-round pick. The roster battles in the trenches will be particularly tight, with several players pushing for starting spots. Charles Cross, Grey Zabel, Jalen Sundell, Anthony Bradford, and Abraham Lucas are all locks to make the roster as returning starters, but the competition for the starting right guard spot and the potential trade of Olu Oluwatimi are particularly intriguing.
Overall, the Seahawks have a strong foundation, but the battles for starting roles and roster spots will be crucial in shaping their strategy for the season. The team's approach to these positions will be a key indicator of their strategy for the season, and the performance of players like Milroe, Price, and Henderson will be particularly fascinating to watch.
