Seahawks Eye Trade-Down in NFL Draft, Open to NFC West Deals

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider made headlines Monday by openly stating the team's willingness to trade down in the upcoming NFL Draft—a strategy that could reshape the defending Super Bowl champions' roster construction. Schneider emphasized that the Seahawks are not only open to moving down but are also willing to negotiate deals with teams within the NFC West, an approach that stands out in a league where divisional trades are often avoided due to competitive concerns.

"It's no secret with us," Schneider said, underscoring the transparency of Seattle's intentions as the draft approaches. The team's public stance suggests a focus on accumulating draft capital and maintaining long-term roster flexibility, a hallmark of Schneider's tenure in Seattle.

• The Seahawks hold their original first-round pick following their Super Bowl win
• Seattle has a history of moving down in drafts under Schneider, often trading picks for additional assets
• Teams are generally hesitant to trade within their own division, but the Seahawks are signaling openness to any offer that improves their position

For a franchise fresh off a championship season, the willingness to trade down—even with NFC West rivals—demonstrates confidence in their internal evaluation process and roster depth. While specifics about potential trade partners remain undisclosed, the Seahawks' approach could have ripple effects throughout the division. NFC West teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals could see Seattle's willingness as an opportunity or a challenge, depending on their own draft strategies.

Schneider's track record includes a number of draft-day maneuvers, often leveraging Seattle's spot to maximize returns in later rounds. The Seahawks' approach has yielded notable talent and kept the roster competitive over the years—a key factor in their recent Super Bowl triumph.

The 2026 NFL Draft will reveal whether other teams, including those within the NFC West, are willing to work with Seattle on a deal that could shift the balance of power in the division. For now, the Seahawks' openness to all options keeps the league guessing and adds a layer of intrigue to this year's draft proceedings.