Seahawks Draft and UDFA Additions Heighten Competition for Veteran Roster Spots

Following the 2026 draft, Seattle added eight picks—guard Beau Stephens (5th), corner Julian Neal (3rd), safety Bud Clark (2nd), plus guard prospects Mason Richman and Bryce Cabeldue. The team also signed six UDFAs: TE Lance Mason, DT Uso Seumalo, edge rushers Devean Deal and Aidan Hubbard, and WRs Levi Wentz and Michael Briscoe. The new talent immediately challenges existing players.

Seahawks Sign 6 UDFAs, Issue Camp Invites

Guard Anthony Bradford (final rookie year) now competes with Stephens; PFF ranked him 70th of 81 guards (pass-blocking 76th, run-blocking 57th). Christian Haynes (32 snaps last season) battles Stephens, Richman and Cabeldue. Corner Nehemiah Pritchett (one start) contends with Julian Neal and seventh-round corners Andre Fuller and Michael Dansby. Safety Ty Okada (exclusive-rights tender $1.145 M, PFF 17th of 98 safeties) faces Bud Clark and free-agent Rodney Thomas II. Releasing Bradford would free $3.674 M; cutting Haynes would save $1.02 M.

Seattle Times

Coach Mike Macdonald said the draft class “expands competition across the roster,” noting a “fun competition” among corners and “a lot of great competition” in the safety group. He added new players can “help win us a lot of games.” GM John Schneider called the UDFA signings “players who can contribute immediately,” especially on special teams.

Seahawks Sign 6 UDFAs, Issue Camp Invites

Analysts cite Bradford’s low PFF grades as evidence of inconsistency and question his roster value versus a younger draftee. Limited snaps for Haynes and Pritchett also signal uncertain roles.

Seattle Times

• “He really did. I mean, the stuff he did in pass protection solidified our pocket. (He) moved people off the line. Played tremendously hard and physical. So I’m excited about where his career is going, and let’s rock ‘n’ roll.” — Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach

Seattle Times

• “Nehemiah has grown a lot, and he’s gonna have a great opportunity to play great football for us and carve himself out of great role,” — Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach

Seattle Times

• “But Bud has the skill sets that we’re looking for in our secondary, plays with the competitiveness, the ball skills, the man-to-man ability.” — Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach

Seattle Times