“Let the Year Play Out”: Seattle Seahawks 18-Sack Artist Set to Hit Free Agency in 2026

After a breakout second season and posting career highs in quarterback hits and sacks, Seattle Seahawks EDGE rusher Boye Mafe was not as effective and took a slight step back in production in 2024. He recorded 40 tackles, eight TFLs, 12 quarterback hits, six sacks, and one forced fumble in 15 games and 11 starts. The Seahawks addressed their EDGE depth, bringing in DeMarcus Lawrence, who joins Mafe, Derick Hall, and Uchenna Nwosu as part of their four best players at the position.

Seattle Seahawks’ former second-round pick enters the final year of his deal

Boye Mafe enters the final year of his rookie contract, and since he failed to average over 60% snaps in his first three seasons, he does not qualify for Proven Performance Escalators. Therefore, he is scheduled to earn a $1,872,582 base salary along with a $2,724,356 cap hit in 2025. Finally, since Mafe completed his third regular season, he is eligible to secure a contract extension this offseason, per Article 7, Section 3 (k) (i) of the CBA.

However, he may have to wait until next year.

According to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, the Seahawks have not engaged in extension talks with Boye Mafe this offseason. As Dugar points out, the front office wants the former second-round pick to play out the final year of his rookie contract before making a final decision and potentially hitting free agency next offseason. Mafe must prove that he fits in Mike Macdonald’s scheme before it’s too late.

“If Mafe takes that mindset and turns it into a career year, the rest will likely take care of itself. Mafe figures to be in the same boat as fellow 2022 draftee Abe Lucas in that he can try to negotiate an extension this summer, but it’s probably best for both sides to let the year play out and proceed from there. Regardless, Mafe’s long-term outlook is a looming question ahead of his fourth season,” Dugar said.