Full Breakdown
Seattle Seahawks Kick Off 2026 OTAs with “Run It Forward” Mantra
5/27/2026, 8:54:49 AM
First Organized Team Activity of the 2026 Offseason
The Seattle Seahawks held their first Organized Team Activity (OTA) on Tuesday at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. The two-hour, rain-soaked session featured 11-on-11, non-contact drills—the first full-team practice since the Super Bowl LX win. Attendance was near-full; all but four players—defensive linemen DeMarcus Lawrence, Derick Hall, Dante Fowler Jr., and running back Emanuel Wilson—were on the field.
From “Run It Back” to “Run It Forward”: Post-Super Bowl Context
After the February 8 victory over the New England Patriots, Seattle unveiled a new VMAC banner listing all 79 players, ten of whom are no longer on the roster. Coach Mike Macdonald framed the offseason as a shift from “defending” the title to a process-oriented approach he calls “run it forward,” signaling continuity with change.
Leadership and Roster Highlights
Head coach Mike Macdonald leads a roster that returns 77 of the 79 players on the banner. Key returning figures include quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and defensive end Leonard Williams. The only two official starters not returning are running back Kenneth Walker III (Super Bowl MVP) and safety Coby Bryant; first-round pick Jadarian Price and second-round pick Bud Clark are slated as their replacements. Rookie integration is underway, with a seven-player undrafted free-agent (UDFA) class; defensive end Aidan Hubbard received $267,500 in guaranteed money.
Quantitative Snapshot
- Roster on banner: 79 players; 69 remain.
- UDFA class: 7 players; Hubbard’s guaranteed money $267,500.
- Position battles: Right guard Anthony Bradford vs. rookie Beau Stephens; safety competition (Rodney Thomas II, Emanuel Wilson); cornerback competition (Julian Neal, Noah Igbinoghene).
- Contract focus: Cornerback Devon Witherspoon’s extension pending; initial offer made weeks ago, no agreement reached.
On-the-Ground Report
The OTA proceeded despite steady rain, with the sun breaking toward the end. Macdonald praised “the guys have been great” and highlighted “phenomenal” communication from absent players. Attendance mirrors the previous year’s high turnout, a factor Macdonald credits for the team’s early-season edge.
Official Statements & Responses
- Macdonald described “run it forward” as a daily conversation about process and identity, noting the Super Bowl is “not really top of mind” aside from the upcoming ring ceremony.
- The organization confirmed Witherspoon’s contract negotiations are ongoing, with an initial offer extended but no agreement.
- Injury updates: Tory Horton’s recovery is accelerating; Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh remain on individual timetables after ACL surgeries; DeMarcus Lawrence is “on his plan” and expected to return.
Challenges and Opposition
Analysts note significant roster turnover, with key contributors departing in free agency. The depth of the UDFA class and competition at multiple positions create uncertainty about the final 53-man roster. Witherspoon’s contract dispute adds a financial variable to the offseason.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're using the term, we want to run it forward—'it' meaning our process and who we are,” — Mike Macdonald, head coach
- “We don't avoid it, but it's not really the top of mind,” — Mike Macdonald, on the Super Bowl
- “The guys that haven't been here, they've communicated. It's been phenomenal.” — Mike Macdonald, on attendance
- “We’re not looking for bells and whistles, we’re looking to be a great football team.” — Mike Macdonald, on team identity
- “But again, I've just been really pleased with every day's work and haven't sensed an ounce of complacency, and that's been really positive.” — Mike Macdonald, on OTA progress
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Witherspoon’s contract: an offer has been made, but negotiations remain unresolved.
- Injury timelines: Horton’s return is “possible” before spring, while Charbonnet and McIntosh lack definitive dates.
Why It Matters
Seattle aims to become only the tenth NFL team to repeat as champions, using the “run it forward” philosophy to blend proven schemes with incremental evolution. High OTA attendance and clear communication are viewed as cultural advantages that could sustain success.
What’s Next
The Seahawks will hold a mandatory minicamp June 9-11, pursue a joint preseason practice with the Tennessee Titans, and prepare for the ring ceremony in June. HBO’s “Hard Knocks” will document the upcoming training camp, adding media scrutiny to the repeat-championship pursuit.
