The Seattle Seahawks enter the 2026 NFL season as the defending Super Bowl champions, carrying the confidence of last season’s title into Wednesday’s season opener against the New England Patriots. However, following an offseason that changed the NFL landscape, are the Seahawks winners heading into the new season?
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano labeled the “quiet Seahawks” as winners
heading into the new season.“Despite being on Hard Knocks, the bulk of the spotlight was on the team they beat in the NFC championship game,” Manzano said regarding the spotlight that has been placed on the overwhelming Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams leading up to the new season. “…However, this could be a good thing for Mike Macdonald’s crew. They usually
thrive when they’re being counted out.”
The Seahawks brought back much of the core that helped them win the Vince Lombardi Trophy last season in preparation for the approaching 17-game slate. Seattle did lose several key contributors, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant and Boye Mafe, but added young talent and veteran depth while maintaining a strong defensive core. The team also extended several important players as it prepared for another championship run.
Seattle made one of its biggest changes on the coaching staff by hiring Brian Fleury as offensive coordinator. Fleury replaced Klint Kubiak, who left to become the Raiders’ head coach. Fleury is expected to maintain much of the offense’s foundation while adding his own ideas as Seattle begins its title defense.
Though the Rams added Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Aaron Donald leading up to Week 1, the Seahawks have a roster worthy of being confident in for another Super Bowl run in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Sports Illustrated lists Seahawks as "winners" going into 2026
