The Seattle Seahawks are playing in the first game of Week 1 on Wednesday night.
This will be a rematch of the Super Bowl, as the Seahawks are welcoming the New England Patriots to town. Since this is the first game of the season, you’d probably think the Seahawks are at full strength, but that’s not the case.
The first injury report came out on Monday, and it has some bad news for Seattle. Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada are both dealing with ailments and seem unlikely to play. As a result, the team could only have one healthy non-practice squad safety on the roster.
Today, let’s identify some free agents who could come in and help the team if it’s decided more depth is needed going forward.
Donovan Wilson
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
It’s a bit surprising that Donovan Wilson hasn’t found a home yet. The veteran was with the Dallas Cowboys from 2019 to 2025, and he was a starter from 2022 onward. In 2025, Wilson played in 15 games and racked up 71 tackles, three tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and two interceptions.
The veteran has yet to find a home this summer, but the Seahawks make sense. Wilson and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde were in Dallas together for three seasons. That familiarity could get Wilson a job backing up Okada, Emmanwori, and Julian Love.
Ifeatu Melifonwu
Like Wilson, Ifeatu Melifonwu is a guy with plenty of starting experience who remains available. Melifonwu is technically on the Buccaneers’ practice squad right now, but he would likely jump on the opportunity to be on the Seahawks’ active roster.
In 2025, with the Dolphins, Melifonwu started in eight games and collected 53 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one interception. The veteran has 22 starts and three interceptions on his resume, and he thrives on special teams, too, which the Seahawks value.
D’Anthony Bell
It’s probably unlikely the Seahawks could sign Wilson or Melifonwu and have them ready for Wednesday night. In that case, it might make more sense to just elevate a practice squad guy.
D’Anthony Bell wasn’t added to the practice squad at first, but he was brought back a few days ago. Bell started 2 games last season and has nine starts and two interceptions in his career. Bell knows this defense, and the team thinks so highly of him that they gave him a Super Bowl ring even though he was technically a member of the Panthers.
Rodney Thomas II
Sticking with practice squad guys, Rodney Thomas II is a good guy to have around. Thomas joined the Seahawks this offseason after spending his first four years with the Colts. In that time, Thomas started in 26 games and came down with six interceptions.
Thomas had some nice moments this summer, and since he’s been with the team for months now, it shouldn’t be a learning curve. Thomas might be the best option to fill in on Wednesday.
