3 Seahawks on roster bubble who must shine in 2026 NFL preseason

The Seattle Seahawks are ready to repeat as Super Bowl champions this fall. Seattle still has a talented roster despite losing so many players following their Super Bowl win. But Mike Macdonald and Sam Darnold are still around, which means that Seattle still has a chance just like they did in 2025.

Seattle has looked pretty good during the early days of training camp. But the competition may take on a brand new attitude once the preseason starts.

Preseason games are the perfect opportunity for players on the roster bubble to prove themselves to the coaching staff. Often at least a few players are fighting for their futures in the NFL.

Seattle has a few players who are in the same boat this summer.

Three Seahawks players need to dominate during the preseason, otherwise they could be cut by the end of training camp.

Can Jalen Milroe stick on the final roster as QB3?

Seattle’s coaching staff really seems to like Milroe. But that doesn’t mean he’ll get a free ride with the Seahawks, even after their Super Bowl campaign.

Milroe hardly saw the field during his rookie season. In fact, he only managed three carries for four rushing yards during his entire rookie season. But that does not reflect poorly on Milroe, as Darnold did not miss a game in 2025. The rookie simply wasn’t needed, so his number wasn’t called.

That said, Milroe did shine during the preseason when his number was called. Can he do the same thing this year?

There’s every reason to believe Milroe could put on a repeat performance. And he is practically guaranteed to have the opportunity, as Darnold won’t get much work in the preseason.

Realistically, the Seahawks are probably not done with Milroe as a prospect just yet. The worst-case scenario for him is rejoining Seattle on the practice squad and continuing to develop at practice.

Still, Milroe needs to approach the month with a sense of urgency. If Milroe does not prove himself during his sophomore season, interest in him could fade around the NFL.

Hopefully Milroe makes the most of this opportunity.

The preseason will be a huge opportunity for Chris Paul Jr.

One fascinating player for Seahawks fans to watch during the preseason is linebacker Chris Paul Jr.

The Rams originally drafted Paul in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sadly, they did not hold onto Paul for long, cutting him as part of their final roster moves before the regular season. But the Seahawks swiped him up for their practice squad and have not looked back since.

The difficult truth is that Paul may be playing to save his entire career during the 2026 preseason.

Brandon Nelson of Seattle Seahawks OnSI explained back in June that Paul faces a difficult path during training camp and the preseason.

“Chris will probably be vying for a practice squad spot again in 2026. Seattle is very solid at the linebacker position, with Ernest Jones and Drake Thomas starting,” Nelson wrote. “Their depth is also a strength, Tyrice Knight and Patrick O’Connell providing immediate backup. Chazz Surratt lingers as a special teamer as well. There’s just no room for Paul at this time.”

Unfortunately, the ceiling for Paul really could very well be making the practice squad again in Seattle. That alone puts him firmly on the roster bubble, as he essentially has no almost no shot at the final roster.

Hopefully the second-year linebacker plays his heart out over the next month. After all, the Seahawks will not be the only NFL team watching his game tape.

Do the Seahawks need Noah Igbinoghene for secondary depth?

The Seahawks lost some valuable pieces in their secondary during NFL free agency. But they did make an effort to replace everyone they lost.

Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant were valuable pieces of Seattle’s secondary. It is fair to wonder whether or not their replacements can actually fill their shoes, especially in Macdonald’s unique defensive scheme.

One player the Seahawks brought in was Noah Igbinoghene. The former first-round pick has not produced at a high level in the NFL. However, he has experience both playing in the slot and the boundary. The Seahawks could view Igbinoghene as a useful piece in their secondary, but purely as a depth player.

But the trick will be for Igbinoghene to prove that Seattle needs to keep him.

Remember, Nick Emmanwori takes a lot of snaps out of the slot. That takes away one potential starting spot that Igbinoghene could compete for.

Beyond that, the Seahawks drafted Bud Clark in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Clark gives Macdonald the option to use three safeties at a time, which makes Igbinoghene even less valuable.

Igbinoghene needs to prove that his versatility and experience are too good to pass up. Seahawks fans should watch him closely throughout the month of August.

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