Seahawks Open to Trading Down in 2026 NFL Draft Amid Limited Picks

RENTON, Washington — Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider confirmed Monday that the team is actively exploring trade-down opportunities in the 2026 NFL Draft, even if it means potentially sending a quarterback to a division rival.

Speaking at his annual pre-draft press conference alongside head coach Mike Macdonald, Schneider acknowledged the Seahawks’ limited draft capital as a driving factor behind their openness to moving back in the selection order.

“It’s no secret to us,” Schneider said. “We have four picks, so we will look to move back in the order.”

The Seahawks are scheduled to make only four selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, the fewest of any NFL team. Their picks include the No. 32 overall selection in the first round, followed by No. 64 in the second round, No. 96 in the third round, and No. 188 in the sixth round.

This limited draft inventory stems from previous trades and roster moves, leaving Seattle with minimal flexibility to address multiple positional needs through the draft alone.

Schneider emphasized that the team’s history under his leadership supports this approach, noting a consistent pattern of trading back in the first round—or even out of it entirely—when strategic opportunities arise.

“Under John Schneider’s management, the team has a long history of trades to move down within the first round (or even to exit it),” the ESPN México report stated, highlighting the general manager’s established precedent for draft-day maneuvering.

The general manager went further, explicitly stating that the Seahawks would not rule out making trades with NFC West rivals, even if it meant helping a division opponent improve its quarterback situation.

Schneider affirmed that he would proceed with such a deal “even if I knew that one of the NFC West teams—direct rivals of Seattle—was moving up in the selection order with the goal of choosing a quarterback.”

This admission underscores the Seahawks’ prioritization of acquiring additional draft assets over concerns about strengthening direct competitors in the NFC West.

The team’s current roster situation adds urgency to their draft strategy. With running back Kenneth Walker III departing in free agency and Zach Charbonnet expected to miss significant time due to knee surgery, Seattle faces pressure to replenish its backfield.

While the Seahawks have signed Emanuel Wilson and expressed interest in George Holani to complement their rushing attack, they still seek to replace Walker’s explosive playmaking ability.

On the defensive edge, Seattle must likewise account for the departure of Boye Mafe, even if veteran DeMarcus Lawrence delays retirement for another season. The need for youth and depth at the edge rusher position remains a key focus.

Cornerback is another area of need, particularly after the departure of Riq Woolen, who was the team’s No. 3 corner in 2025. Secondary depth has become a priority entering the offseason.

Despite these pressing needs, Schneider acknowledged the difficulty of executing trade-down scenarios, referencing past attempts that did not materialize.

“While GM John Schneider has a track record of trading back in the first round or entirely out of it, he hasn’t done so since 2019—and not for lack of trying,” according to earlier reporting from ESPN’s Brady Henderson.

In the five drafts since 2019 in which Seattle has held a first-round pick, the team has discussed moving back before ultimately remaining at its original selection slot each time.

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to commence on April 23 in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. ET, with the Seahawks on the clock first at the No. 32 overall pick.

Rounds 2 and 3 will take place on April 24, followed by Rounds 4 through 7 on April 25. The Seahawks’ subsequent selections are set for No. 64 (second round), No. 96 (third round), and No. 188 (sixth round).

With only four total picks, Seattle’s ability to address all of its roster deficiencies through the draft alone is limited, increasing the likelihood that Schneider will pursue trades to either accumulate more selections or target specific players despite a lower draft position.

The general manager’s willingness to engage in divisional trades represents a notable shift in intra-conference dynamics, as NFC West teams typically avoid direct player exchanges that could benefit rivals.

However, Schneider’s approach reflects a pragmatic evaluation of the 2026 draft class, which has not been regarded as particularly rich in elite talent at the top of the first round, potentially reducing the opportunity cost of moving down.

As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Renton to see whether the Seahawks can convert their limited draft capital into a greater number of opportunities through strategic trades—a tactic that has defined Schneider’s tenure but remained elusive in recent first-round scenarios.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the Seattle Seahawks is their participation in the 2026 NFL Draft, beginning April 23 in Pittsburgh, where their first selection is scheduled for the No. 32 overall pick.

What are your thoughts on the Seahawks’ draft strategy? Should they prioritize trading down for more picks or stay put to target specific talent? Share your opinion in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.