There’s no denying the Seahawks have one of the most talented rosters in the league. Coming off a Super Bowl team, this is a team with as high of expectations as you can have.
With training camp and the preseason now behind us, we only have to wait one more week to see the Seahawks back on the field. Today, let’s dive into the roster a bit more and predict who the most impactful players will be in 2026.
We’ll predict the team’s offensive and defensive MVP, rookie of the year, most improved player, and more.
Offensive MVP= Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
It would be hard for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to be much better than he was in 2025. The star receiver caught a whopping 119 passes for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. Smith-Njigba was absolutely crucial to the team winning a Super Bowl.
If the Seahawks want to contend again in 2026, Smith-Njigba needs another elite season. The team didn’t add at wide receiver over the offseason, so the majority of the pressure is on JSN once again.
Smith-Njigba will not only the MVP of the offense, but he could also end up being in the overall MVP discussion.
Defensive MVP= Devon Witherspoon
Devon Witherspoon is one of, if not the best cornerback in the league. In 2025, Witherspoon received an elite 89.9 grade, which was the best mark out of 114 qualified corners.
The only thing that could keep Witherspoon from being MVP of the defense is if offenses just don’t target him. Witherspoon completely locks down his side of the field, and his presence alone makes the rest of the defense better.
The Seahawks also aren’t that deep at corner, so a Witherspoon injury would be devastating. True lockdown corners are hard to find, and the Seahawks have one of the best ones in the league.
Rookie of the Year= Jadarian Price
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
This is the easiest category to predict. The Seahawks’ 2026 rookie class is not exactly deep, as there will only be three on the roster to begin the season. Running back Jadarian Price, cornerback Julian Neal, and offensive lineman Beau Stephens are the only options here.
Price seems like the obvious answer. The Seahawks only kept three total running backs on the initial roster, so Price will be a workhorse until Zach Charbonnet returns. Even when Charbonnet is back in the fold, Price will still get plenty of opportunities.
The running back should get at least a few weeks as the primary running back. In that time, expect the Notre Dame product to prove he was worthy of being a first-round pick.
Most Improved= Elijah Arroyo
There are a couple of Seahawks who are in a good position to improve on their 2025 performances. Guard Anthony Bradford, edge rusher Derick Hall, and wide receiver Tory Horton are all quality candidates.
But tight end Elijah Arroyo might be the best option. The 2025 second-round pick didn’t contribute much as a rookie, ending with 15 catches for 179 yards and one touchdown. The Miami product had a solid summer, though, and with no additions to the pass-catcher group, Arroyo could be in for a bigger role.
