Seahawks on alert: Eagles appear in rumors about Boye Mafe

The Seattle Seahawks could lose key edge rusher Boye Mafe this offseason, as rumors suggest the Philadelphia Eagles are interested in signing him, putting the Super Bowl champions on high alert about their defensive depth.

ESPN's Aaron Schatz predicted Mafe could join Philadelphia, citing the Eagles' need for rotation help behind Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, and highlighting Mafe's strong analytics despite modest sack numbers during 2025.

"The Eagles could use more help on the edge to rotate with Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt," Schatz wrote on X.com. "And Mafe had an outstanding season for the Super Bowl champions in 2025. Although Mafe had only two sacks, he added 33 pressures. His 18.7% pass rush win rate was eighth among edge rushers and his 11.4% pressure rate was 17th. Mafe is quick and still in his prime, turning 28 in late November."

In 17 games last season, Mafe recorded 31 combined tackles, including four for loss, five pass defenses, four QB hits, two sacks, and one forced fumble, showing versatility even as his starting role decreased over the past two seasons.

Mafe's playing time has steadily declined; he started all games in 2023, 11 in 2024, and just four last season, seeing only 50% of defensive snaps in 2025, the lowest since 2022, while still contributing to Seattle's pass-rush rotation.

The Seahawks have depth with DeMarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu, Derick Hall, and Leonard Williams under contract for 2026, so losing Mafe could be manageable, though the team would lose a key member of their Super Bowl-winning rotation.

Could Seahawks move for replacement for Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III?

Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker III, Seattle's Super Bowl MVP running back, may also depart via free agency, leaving the Seahawks thin behind him, with Zach Charbonnet still recovering from a postseason ACL injury and unable to carry the load.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested Detroit's David Montgomery could be available via trade, though Montgomery denied requesting a move; his production, including 835 yards and 11 touchdowns in three seasons, makes him a prime replacement for Walker.

The 28-year-old Montgomery is in his prime and could start immediately for Seattle, allowing the team to maintain a strong rushing attack to complement their deep passing game, while preserving the Seahawks' win-now strategy for 2026.

Seattle holds multiple draft picks, including first, second, third, and sixth-round selections, which could be packaged to acquire Montgomery, ensuring a capable starter if Walker departs, keeping the Super Bowl champions competitive next season.