Because These Players Signed Elsewhere, Seahawks Gain Compensatory Picks for 2025 NFL Draft
The Seattle Seahawks continue to show their mastery in managing the NFL’s complex system of compensatory draft picks. By allowing several key players to leave in free agency and signing minimal replacements of comparable stature, the Seahawks are set to receive multiple compensatory picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. These additional selections are critical assets for teams looking to build long-term success without overspending in free agency.
Compensatory picks are awarded by the NFL to teams that lose more or better free agents than they acquire during a given offseason. The league uses a confidential formula to determine the value of these picks, factoring in a player’s salary, playing time, and postseason honors. The picks are added to the end of rounds three through seven in the draft.
For the Seahawks, who have a history of strategically navigating the compensatory system, these picks provide a way to stockpile talent while maintaining financial flexibility.
During the 2024 offseason, Seattle saw several high-profile players depart in free agency. While losing key contributors can be difficult, the Seahawks’ calculated approach to free agency ensured they would benefit from compensatory selections. Here’s a look at the players whose departures are likely to yield these picks:
- Rashaad Penny (RB)
The former first-round pick signed a lucrative deal with another team after a productive 2023 season in Seattle. Penny’s departure opened the door for younger running backs on the roster while setting up the Seahawks for a mid-round compensatory pick. - Poona Ford (DT)
Ford, a stalwart on the defensive line, left for a multi-year deal with a playoff contender. His loss was felt in Seattle’s front seven, but the contract he received should result in a compensatory pick in the fourth or fifth round. - Ethan Pocic (C)
Pocic signed a significant deal elsewhere after anchoring Seattle’s offensive line for multiple seasons. The Seahawks addressed the center position through the draft, ensuring the team didn’t need to overpay to retain him. - Uchenna Nwosu (EDGE)
One of the more surprising departures, Nwosu earned a big payday following a breakout season. While his production will be missed, his contract value could result in one of the higher compensatory picks for Seattle. - Marquise Goodwin (WR)
The speedy wideout left for a team offering more money and opportunities. Though not as high-profile as others on this list, Goodwin’s departure adds to the equation for late-round compensatory picks.
The Seahawks have long embraced the compensatory pick system as part of their team-building philosophy. Under general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll, the team has consistently prioritized drafting and developing talent over aggressive free-agent spending.
This strategy allows the Seahawks to retain cap flexibility while replenishing their roster with young, affordable talent through the draft. By avoiding the temptation to chase big-name free agents, Seattle maximizes its ability to acquire compensatory picks, which serve as an additional pipeline for finding contributors.
The compensatory picks expected for the 2025 draft could be a game-changer for the Seahawks. Here’s how these extra selections benefit the team:
- Increased Flexibility: More picks mean more opportunities to maneuver on draft day. Seattle can trade up for a targeted player or accumulate even more selections by trading down.
- Depth and Development: The Seahawks have a proven track record of finding gems in the later rounds. Players like Richard Sherman (5th round) and Kam Chancellor (5th round) were drafted with mid-to-late-round picks, highlighting the importance of compensatory selections.
- Cap Management: Drafting and developing players is significantly cheaper than signing high-priced free agents. By leaning on the draft, Seattle maintains long-term salary cap health.
With the additional compensatory picks, the Seahawks will have the resources to address key areas of need:
- Defensive Line: With the departure of Poona Ford and potential future needs, Seattle could target disruptive interior linemen or edge rushers.
- Wide Receiver Depth: The loss of Goodwin underscores the importance of finding young, dynamic receivers to complement DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
- Offensive Line: Reinforcements at center and tackle could be a priority, ensuring stability for years to come.
- Secondary: The Seahawks have invested heavily in their secondary but could look to add depth, especially at safety.
The Seahawks’ approach to free agency and the compensatory pick system is a masterclass in strategic team management. By allowing key players to walk and carefully managing their acquisitions, Seattle has positioned itself for long-term success.
The 2025 draft will be a critical opportunity for the Seahawks to continue building around their young core, including stars like quarterback Geno Smith and cornerback Tariq Woolen. With a blend of high draft picks and compensatory selections, Seattle can address immediate needs while planning for the future.
As Seahawks fans know, the draft is where dynasties are built. With John Schneider and Pete Carroll at the helm, the future in Seattle looks as bright as ever.