8 potential free agent targets on defense for the Seahawks in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks took Sunday off as they entered their Week 10 bye. With a 1-5 slump in their last six games, their playoff chances are minuscule given the 4-5 record and difficult schedule to end the season. Therefore, it is good to start looking at possible targets to be brought in free agency.

The 2025 NFL Draft class is not shaping up to be deep one. Therefore, John Schneider's work in free agency will be fundamental (assuming he is the GM in 2025). We will need more Uchenna Nwosu type signings than Dre'Mont Jones, Greg Olsen, Cary Williams, Luke Joeckel.

Let's look at some defensive players who are set to hit free agency in 2025 and who may interest the Seahawks. You can read the offensive line rundown of free agents here.

Kristian Fulton, CB (Los Angeles Chargers) Fulton, a former LSU player, was a player linked to Seattle in his draft and was one of the most praised prospects by the media. However, due to a very underwhelming season in 2023, he didn't draw attention in free agency and got a contract worth only $3M. Fulton is still a 26-year-old player who has averaged a minus-100 rating in his first three seasons and has been playing very well for the Chargers .

Byron Murphy Jr, CB (Minnesota Vikings) It would be confusing to have two Byron Murphys on the team and both on defense. Murphy caught my attention since his time in Washington, he almost was a first-round pick in his draft (he was pick 33 by Arizona). He is still 27 years old and produced very well during his years with the Vikings. He has a nose for finding the ball, and he is very versatile.

Josh Sweat, EDGE (Philadelphia Eagles) I'm not sure how the Seahawks will manage the contracts of Uchenna Nwosu and Dre'Mont Jones this offseason. If so, EDGE could be a big need for the team. Sweat is a solid 27-year-old pass rusher who has helped the Eagles' DL a lot, especially with pressures and including an 11-sack season in 2022.

Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT (Tennessee Titans) He was a name linked to a trade by several teams. He is 29 years old and could serve as a replacement for Jarran Reed, if the team decides not to re-sign him. Joseph-Day, 6'4 and 310 pounds, is a physical presence at the line of scrimmage both in the running game and in pressuring the QB.

Josh Uche, EDGE (Kansas City Chiefs) In one of my s about possible trades for Seattle, I mentioned his name and I am listing him here again. There was a lot of interest in him in the last free agency, but he decided to return to New England. He was also a player in high demand at the trade deadline, where he ended up going to the Chiefs.

A player who is only 26 years old and very fast, he would be the speed rusher that Seattle has needed since the departure of Darrell Taylor and without the proper replacement, with Trevis Gipson. Furthermore, Uche shows good work against the running game, even with his frame. His pass rush win rate is over 16%.

Asante Samuel Jr, CB (Los Angeles Chargers) Another Chargers CB on the list. Samuel needs to improve his tackling ability, so this is something that could give Seahawks fans nightmares. However, the 25-year-old has been extremely reliable in one-on-one coverage.

Justin Simmons, S (Atlanta Falcons) Whenever I remember that the Seahawks signed Rayshawn Jenkins and not Simmons, it gives me a headache. The 30-year-old veteran has shown some issues in the running game, but has been exceptional in pass coverage. His excellent season with the Falcons could make some team willing to pay him a big contract, and that would take Seattle out of the running game.

Jevon Holland, S (Miami Dolphins) The safety market was down last season. Still, Holland could be one of the highest-paid players in free agency. At just 25 next season and with the ability to be extremely versatile, whether defending the run, covering passes or being used in blitzes, he would be a great fit for Mike Macdonald's scheme.