Seahawks not working on an extension with linebacker

The Seahawks are not engaged in extension talks with fourth-year outside linebacker Boye Mafe, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.

Mafe, a 2022 second-round pick, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He broke out in 2023 with 9.0 sacks and 25 pressures, but could not quite match that pace last seasons under new head coach Mike Macdonald. Mafe still earned a career-high 75.2 grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) in 2024 with notable improvements in run defense and pass coverage, indicating that he’s trending in the right direction in a contract year.

The Seahawks’ signing of DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason will likely eat into Mafe’s snap share, but neither Lawrence nor Uchenna Nwosu are owed guaranteed money past 2025. That could position Mafe to be the undisputed starter in 2026 if he outplays his veteran teammates this season and agrees to stay in Seattle. He could pursue such a contract before the season, but Dugar believes that the two sides will wait until after the season.

As a result, 2025 has massive financial implications for Mafe. Edge rushers from the 2021 draft class with comparable statistics cashed in this offseason, including Greg Rousseau ($20M APY) and Dayo Odeyingbo ($16M). Another strong year from Mafe could push him over the $20M per year threshold.