Why Seattle Seahawks Won’t Get Third-Round Comp Picks in 2026 Free Agency
The Seattle Seahawks are facing significant challenges as they prepare to lose some prominent free agents ahead of the upcoming 2026 NFL Free Agency. With a myriad of factors in play, there is speculation regarding their potential for compensatory draft picks. Despite the presence of notable names such as Kenneth Walker III and Riq Woolen, the chance of the Seahawks receiving multiple third-round compensatory picks appears slim.
Seattle Seahawks’ Free Agency Dilemma
As the Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks must navigate a hard salary cap which limits their ability to retain players. In the current landscape, they are likely to lose top talents, including:
- Kenneth Walker III
- Riq Woolen
- Rashid Shaheed
- Josh Jobe
- Coby Bryant
- Boye Mafe
These departures raise questions about compensatory draft picks, specifically how many the Seahawks might receive in return.
Understanding Compensatory Draft Picks
In the NFL, teams can earn compensatory picks when they lose more free agents than they sign. However, the maximum number of compensatory picks a team can attain from free agency is capped at four. For the Seahawks, losing these six players while acquiring none means they could potentially secure the maximum, but the value of those picks is not guaranteed.
To qualify for a third-round compensatory pick, a player’s contract must fall within the 95th percentile of all free agent contracts. The selection process uses a complex formula that evaluates various factors, such as:
- Average Per Year (APY) of the contract signed
- Adjusted APY, considering exclusions
- Postseason honors and snap counts
The Road to a Third-Round Comp Pick
Getting a third-round pick is particularly difficult for Seattle. Although Kenneth Walker III ranks high in free agency, it’s unlikely he will fetch a contract surpassing $20 million per year, a necessary threshold for a third-round designation. Other leading candidates face similar challenges:
- Boye Mafe would need a top-tier edge rusher contract, which is unlikely based on current market comparisons.
- Rashid Shaheed’s market counterparts may not demand contracts that enhance his comp pick value.
- Coby Bryant, while vital in Seattle’s defense, is unlikely to match the top safety contracts in the league.
Riq Woolen holds potential to command higher market value as a cornerback, but he would have to secure a deal comparable to top-five corners. Without an All-Pro season or substantial snap count, his chances of kicking into compensatory pick territory also diminish.
Final Thoughts
While the Seahawks may still obtain fourth to seventh-round compensatory picks, the prospects of landing a third-round pick from this free agency class are dim. The intricacies of the compensatory formula, combined with the market reality of these players, suggest a tough journey ahead for Seattle in the upcoming draft.
