Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas began the year as the backup linebacker, later stepping into a starting role in Week 4 in place of Tyrice Knight, setting career-highs. He recorded 96 tackles, ten TFLs, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and eight pass breakups in 17 regular-season games and 14 starts, accounting for 68% of defensive snaps. Thomas also totaled 18 tackles and one TFL in the playoffs.
Since he was an undrafted free agent and has played in three seasons, Thomas is a restricted free agent. The Seahawks can either place one of the three tenders on him, which includes the right-of-first refusal, second- or first-round tenders, bypass the tender and sign him to a contract, or let him walk in free agency.
Seattle Seahawks deliver huge news for a defensive starter for 2026
Seattle Seahawks, Drake Thomas
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks declined to place a restricted free-agent tender on Drake Thomas and instead re-signed him to a two-year, $8 million contract worth up to $9 million in incentives. The former undrafted free agent will once again compete for the starting linebacker position this offseason against Tyrice Knight alongside Ernest Jones IV.
The #Seahawks and starting LB Drake Thomas have agreed to terms on a new 2-year deal worth $8M base with a chance to make $9M, sources say.
With 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a first-year starter, Thomas cashes in with a deal done by agent Jay Courie of @mgcsports. pic.twitter.com/WJocyYlDlx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026
Also Read: Seattle Seahawks Announce Key Backup Returning in 2026
Seahawks fans react to the news
Seated Fans Shrug Off Bad Bunny’s Spanish Performance at Hated Super Bowl Lx Halftime Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Seated Fans Shrug Off Bad Bunny’s Spanish Performance at Hated Super Bowl Lx Halftime Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Seattle has a knack for these bargain deals
— Matthew Gibson (@ModernFootball0) March 5, 2026
Seeing the comments in here show they didn’t watch any Seahawks games. This is an absolute steal
— Peakbeak (@YourSeahawksFan) March 5, 2026
Good to see Drake stay two more years in Seattle
— Max Akonde, Ph.D. (@EpiAkonde) March 5, 2026
seahawks have almost two probowl caliber LBs and they are paying them:
Ernest Jones – ~11 million/year
Drake Thomas ~4 million/year
(for instance Roquan Smith is earning ~20 million/year)
— #1ToryHortonFan (@DavidRosalez6) March 5, 2026
Great to get this deal done, huge piece in the defence
— Eoin Tyrrell (@eoin_tyrrell) March 5, 2026
Welcome back Drake!!
— SEAHAWKGOON 🐦 (@SeahawkGoon) March 5, 2026
Worth that contract! He was solid for them last year
— David Kahoun (@DavidKahoun24) March 5, 2026
Great news! Drake was sooo good for us.
— Birdie (@sibirdie) March 5, 2026