The Seattle Seahawks have the opportunity to significantly boost their draft capital for the 2026 NFL Draft and potentially disrupt a key rival’s strategy with a single move. This could be a shrewd decision that benefits the team in multiple ways.
The Seahawks currently hold four draft picks in the 2026 class, but three of those selections are within the top 100. This gives them a strong position to consider trading back at some point during the draft. The ideal spot for such a trade would be at pick 32, as it could provide the best return for Seattle. Additionally, this move could create an unexpected challenge for one of their NFC West rivals.
One potential target for disruption is the Arizona Cardinals. The Seahawks’ first-round selection in the upcoming draft is at pick 32. If they choose to trade back, it would mean moving out of the first round entirely. While this might not sit well with some fans, it could be a strategic move that pays off in the long run. Trading back is not a new concept for the Seahawks, as the 32nd pick has been traded multiple times since 2015.
In 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles traded the 32nd pick to the Baltimore Ravens, who used it on quarterback Lamar Jackson. This move allowed the Eagles to gain additional draft assets, including a fourth-rounder and a future second-round pick. While the exact return may differ this year, securing a fourth-round pick would still be a valuable addition for Seattle.
The 2026 draft class features several high-profile quarterbacks, with Alabama’s Ty Simpson being one of the most anticipated prospects. The Arizona Cardinals have been linked to Simpson, and many believe selecting him in the second round would be an ideal plan for them. However, if Simpson is still available at pick 32, the Seahawks could use their position to prevent the Cardinals from acquiring him.
Here are three teams that could be interested in trading up to select Simpson:
- New York Jets – Pick 32
- Cleveland Browns – Pick 39
- Miami Dolphins – Pick 43
By trading back, the Seahawks could not only gain additional draft capital but also deny the Cardinals the chance to secure a top quarterback. This move would align with the team’s goal of strengthening their roster while maintaining flexibility in future drafts.
