Devan Boykin stands out for his national-title pedigree and versatility. At 24, he previously spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers after going undrafted out of Indiana. During his college tenure, Boykin helped Indiana achieve an undefeated 16-0 season and contributed to the Hoosiers’ national championship run in the College Football Playoff era. He transferred to Indiana after five seasons at NC State and developed into a flexible defensive back who could line up in multiple roles across the secondary. In 2025, Boykin appeared in all 16 games for Indiana, starting 10, and recorded two interceptions. He also contributed in the national championship game, tallying four tackles in Indiana’s 27-21 victory over Miami. Boykin’s long-standing experience in high-stakes games and his ability to adapt to different coverages could be appealing to a team looking to bolster depth behind its starters.
Austin Keys brings NFL regular-season experience to the table. The 6-foot-2, 244-pound linebacker earned a spot on the Minnesota Vikings’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2025, appearing in 11 games. He contributed heavily on special teams, logging 191 snaps, and added a quarterback pressure when on defense. Keys later spent time with the Arizona Cardinals before being waived with an injury settlement. His size and versatility could make him a useful contributor on special teams while providing depth at the second level of Seattle’s defense.
Larry Worth III is another intriguing option, having previously joined Seattle for a rookie minicamp tryout before landing a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. Worth III, a former Arkansas defender, played a hybrid role in college, with the 49ers listing him as a linebacker. In his final college season, Worth III posted 64 tackles over 12 games, finishing his college career with 201 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six passes defended, and three forced fumbles. The 49ers released him during the roster cuts, but his size and defensive versatility could give Seattle a potential swing option at multiple spots in the lineup.
The Seahawks entered Week 1 with limited safety depth due to injuries. Safety Nick Emmanwori was sidelined while recovering from ankle surgery, and another safety, Ty Okada, missed time with a hamstring issue. Seattle added A.J. Finley from the practice squad and elevated Rodney Thomas II to help cover the absence of Emmanwori and Okada, illustrating the club’s willingness to test additional players at the back end of the defense early in the season.
Worth III’s familiarity with Seattle’s system dates back to his earlier tryout with the team, and his prior experience in San Francisco’s system as a hybrid defender could give the Seahawks added flexibility for matchups against multiple formations. Keys’ special-teams experience and willingness to contribute on defense could provide immediate value on kicking units and a depth option at the linebacker position. Boykin’s proven track record as a versatile defensive back with championship-caliber experience could help address potential coverage gaps if injuries persist.
As Seattle continues to monitor the health of its secondary, adding depth through outside free agents remains a practical option. The organization will likely weigh each player’s fit with the defensive scheme, leadership in the locker room, special-teams impact, and long-term availability. Depth in the defensive backfield is crucial, especially when injuries can impact the performance of the entire unit.
In the weeks ahead, fans and analysts will be watching how the Seahawks integrate any new additions into the roster, how the rotation is managed to keep starters fresh, and whether these opportunities translate into meaningful on-field impact. The team’s goal is clear: maintain a competitive defense by ensuring credible options are available at every level, from the secondary to the front seven, as the season progresses.
