The Seattle Seahawks' roster is in a much better place than it was a year ago. Not only is their record significantly better – 6-2 as opposed to 4-4 after eight games – their point differential is evidence of a potentially dominant team.
At this point in the 2024 season, [Mike Macdonald’s club](https://12thmanrising.com/mike-macdonald-issues-bold-message-seattle-seahawks-fans-needed-hear) had given up five points more than they had scored. That’s on schedule for a .500 club. This season, the Seahawks' plus-81 is the third-highest differential in the NFL. That’s rarified air. It is indicative of a team that is winning handily.
And finally, the Hawks are noticeably younger. Based on opening day rosters, Seattle has the fifth youngest team in the league. Several key contributors – especially across the defensive line – are indeed past thirty. But most of the stars are still in their prime. Many are are just entering it.
Five Seattle Seahawks who will most likely be elsewhere in 2026
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So younger and better. [Not bad for John Schneider](https://12thmanrising.com/former-seattle-seahawks-starters-making-john-schneider-look-brilliant) over the course of one season. Of course, with that comes change. Seattle is probably seeing the last of a lot of players as the 2025 season enters its second half. Given that excellent roster balance, most are fringe players. But they still have filled a role for the Hawks.
### Jarran Reed, defensive tackle
Reed is the biggest name on this list. Not in terms of size. In terms of impact. This year, he is playing a valuable role on the very good defensive line, often playing over center in the thankless nose tackle position.
There was some thought that Reed would not be re-signed this year. Macdonald no doubt wanted him, but the club had more pressing priorities. With promising youngster Byron Murphy emerging, John Schneider could have seen Reed as a luxury he could not afford. But afforded him he did, and it has paid off nicely.
And Reed wasn’t merely signed to a one-year deal. He is signed through 2028, which would seem to indicate he remains in the long-range plans. However, the contract is structured in such a way that it may make sense to part ways with the veteran, especially if rookie Rylie Mills looks good in the second half of this season.
### Johnathan Hankins, defensive tackle
Reed may be iffy, but it’s hard to see his fellow veteran interior lineman Hankins lasting another year. Like Reed, it was a bit of a surprise that Schneider re-upped the 33-year old this offseason. But Hankins may be the purest nose tackle the club currently has, and Macdonald values that position.
Unfortunately, a back injury has kept Hankins on the sidelines all season, and there is currently no timetable for his return. In his absence, younger nose tackles like Brandon Pili and Quinton Bohanna have gotten to show that they can provide depth.
Hopefully, Hankins will get back on the field at some point this year and make his case, but players of his age with injuries are more likely to retire than stick around another year.
### Chazz Surratt, linebacker
Surratt has only been a Seahawk for a couple of months, but he has become a fixture on special teams. He has appeared in all eight Seattle games and has recorded at least one tackle in each. Until last week’s game in Washington, all of Surratt’s action had come on special teams.
When Ernest Jones IV was banged up, the former third-round draft pick from North Carolina got in on a few defensive plays.
He is currently the fourth inside linebacker on a club the only uses two. If things were to remain as they are, he would be locked in a battle with younger players like Patrick O’Connell and Chris Paul. Jr. for a roster spot next year. But look for Schneider to invest in more linebacker depth this offseason, either through free agency or through the draft. That would put Surratt in a tenuous position.
### D'Anthony Bell, safety
Like Surratt, Bell has established himself as a solid special teams player. He even contributed some valuable snaps at safety early in the season when rookie Nick Emmanwori was out. But despite being in just his fourth season – and first with Seattle – Bell is already 29 years old.
He has a great story of personal triumph, working his way through a very long college career to eventually realize his dream. But the NFL is cutthroat. Stories get you nowhere, and at this point, his age will begin to work against him.
What will work against his return to the Seahawks even more is the current logjam at safety. Ty Okada has thrived in Julain Love’s absence. Emmanwori shows every sign of being special. And they aren’t even the starters. The Seahawks even have a few promising depth players in AJ Finley and Jerrick Reed II who are both about five years younger than Bell.
### Kenny McIntosh, running back
I figured I’d throw in an offensive player, but this one hurts. Mcintosh has been a fan favorite since he arrived in the seventh round of the 2023 draft. He has been a solid kick returner and a promising change of pace option out of the backfield. Unfortunately, he is not cashing in on the Seahawks’ improved offense this season due to a torn ACL.
In his absence, other young backs like George Holani and Jacardia Wright have made a case for sticking around next year. Were he able to come back entirely healthy, McIntosh would have a decent chance of winning back his RB3 spot, but running backs and ACL injuries are tricky to predict. If he is a little bit slower or less agile, McIntosh will find it hard to stick around.
If the thought of losing Kenny McIntosh is too painful for you, sub In Eric Saubert. The blocking tight end has done a nice job for the Hawks, especially with Robbie Ouzts out of the lineup. But Seattle does have depth at the position and there must be some reason Schneider has insisted on retaining rookie Nick Kallerup on the roster all season.