Seahawks GM: Team sale won't hinder offseason

Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider assured reporters at the NFL combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that the ongoing sale of the team would not disrupt the franchise's offseason plans, just six days after it was officially announced that current owner Jody Allen had put the Seahawks up for sale. Schneider emphasized that it would be "business as usual" for the organization despite the ownership transition hanging over the team as they prepare to defend their Super Bowl title. The Seahawks became only the third team this century to repeat as champions after winning Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots. Schneider revealed he had spoken with Allen, who encouraged him to "go for it, let's rip it," and plans to meet with Denver Broncos GM George Paton for advice on navigating the sale process, as Paton experienced the same situation with his team in 2022. When asked specifically about potential impacts on his job demands, budget, or free agent spending, Schneider answered "no" to each question, though he acknowledged uncertainty about whether Allen would still be in charge when the next season begins. The Seahawks face significant challenges this offseason, with six key players set to become unrestricted free agents, including running back Kenneth Walker III (Super Bowl MVP), wide receiver/Pro Bowler Rashid Shaheed, cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe, safety Coby Bryant, and outside linebacker Boye Mafe. Schneider described the situation as "a challenge to figure this year's puzzle out" while expressing a desire to retain as many of these players as possible. ESPN reported that Seattle doesn't plan to use the franchise or transition tag on Walker, though Schneider declined to comment on this possibility. The team enters the offseason with approximately $59 million in effective cap space (six most in the NFL), but must also consider potential extensions for star cornerback Devon Witherspoon and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, both eligible for massive raises.