The defending champion Seattle Seahawks are moving to lock in key contributors from their Super Bowl roster, agreeing to a two-year, $8 million contract with inside linebacker Drake Thomas, a source told ESPN. The deal could be worth up to $9 million with incentives.
Thomas, 26, was set to become a restricted free agent, but instead of playing on a one-year tender, the Seahawks secured one of their rising defensive playmakers through the 2027 season.
Thomas’ journey in Seattle has been remarkable. An undrafted free agent in 2023 out of North Carolina State, he was initially signed by the Las Vegas Raiders before being waived prior to the season. The Seahawks claimed him, but a season-ending knee injury in November cut his rookie year short.
By 2024, Thomas played in all 17 games, leading the team in special teams snaps. He emerged as a full-time starter in 2025, winning the weakside linebacker role outright after sharing time early in the season with Tyrice Knight.
In 17 regular-season games last year, Thomas tallied 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, an interception, and eight passes defensed. His first career interception came in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers, helping Seattle secure a 13-3 win that clinched the NFC West and the No. 1 seed in the conference. He added 18 tackles, including one for loss, across three playoff games.
Thomas’ signing ensures the Seahawks retain a key piece of their top-ranked scoring defense, which played a major role in their championship run. The agreement was first reported by the NFL Network.
