The Seahawks took their first stab at running it back when the NFL Network announced that the team had reached a two-year, $ 8 million contract with linebacker Drake Thomas. The deal could climb to $9 million.
The 26-year-old Thomas was set to become a restricted free agent. Thomas emerged as a vital part of the Seahawks’ defense when he wrestled the starting linebacker position from Tyrice Knight. Thomas played in 17 regular-season games and recorded 89 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, one interception, one fumble recovery, and eight passes defended.
CLUTCH IN THE PLAYOFFS
The lone interception had a dramatic impact on the Seahawks’ playoff run. Thomas intercepted a Brody Purdy pass that was deflected by running back Christian McCaffrey at the Seahawks ‘ six-yard line. The Seahawks were clinging to a 13-3 lead at the time in the Week 18 contest. The Seahawks held on for the win and claimed the NFC West title and the conference’s No. 1 seed, securing home field for their playoff run. In the Seahawks’ three playoff games, Thomas made 18 tackles, one for a loss.
UNDRAFTED TO SUPERBOWL WINNER
Thomas went undrafted in the 2023 draft and was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders. He was waived before the start of the season and was claimed by the Seahawks. His season-ending knee injury in November put an end to his season. In 2024, Thomas returned and played in all 17 games, leading the team in special teams snaps.
MORE WORK TO COME
Thomas becomes the first of Seattle’s seven restricted free agents to sign. The Seahawks have nine players set to become unrestricted free agents. During the Combine, Schneider was asked about the Seahawks’ free agent strategy.
“Obviously, want to have everybody back,” Scheider said. “When you get done with something special like that, you’re like, ‘Yeah, let’s run it back, let’s run it back.’ You know, it’s going to be an interesting process”.
Unrestricted free agents
- S Cobe Bryant
- CB Josh Jobe
- T Josh Jones
- LB Boye Mafe
- WR Rashid Shaheed
- LB Chazz Surratt
- RB Kenneth Walker III
- CB Riq Woolen
- WR Dareke Young
Restricted Free Agents
- WR Jake Bobo
- S A.J. Finley
- DT Brandon Pili
- TE Brady Russell
- LS Chris Stoll
- LB Drake Thomas
- WR Cody White
Discover more from Cascadiasports.net
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
