Okada and Holani were Seattle’s only ERFAs, and both were tendered Monday, ensuring they cannot negotiate with other teams. This standard protocol keeps core contributors in-house while the team navigates broader roster decisions and cap concerns.
Okada’s breakout 2025 season provided a clear rationale for the keep: he started 11 of 17 games, recording 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and six passes defended. Retaining him helps maintain a reliable defensive depth chart, particularly if Seattle continues to deploy multi-safety looks.
Holani returned from IR late in the season and stepped into a larger role after injuries to the backfield, including essential contributions in the postseason. His special-teams value and versatility as an emergency running back help preserve a flexible depth option behind the top unit.
Beyond the two players, the tender signals a broader strategy: protect the middle of the roster with cost-efficient, controllable pieces before pursuing higher-cost free agents or salary-heavy additions. It also keeps competition alive in camp at safety and running back as Seattle plans to “run it back” in 2026.
The ERFA tender window aligns with the broader league calendar, with the new league year approaching in mid-March. By locking in Okada and Holani, Seattle maintains a stable foundation while remaining free to explore bigger moves as the market evolves.
In summary, the Seahawks’ early move preserves starting-caliber depth and special-teams reliability at a minimal cost, setting the stage for longer-term decisions as the 2026 offseason unfolds. This approach reflects a measured strategy to maintain roster integrity while advancing toward other roster and cap considerations.
