Boye

Mafe

Mafe finds a new home following the Super Bowl win in 2025, landing with the Bengals on a three-year contract. Mafe ranked just fourth on the Seahawks in snaps at the linebacker position in 2025, marking the second straight season of declining playing time, but brings a veteran presence to a team in clear need of such services. It remains unclear whether Mafe will return to a full-time player entering his age-28 season, but the monetary value of the contract seems to indicate those chances are likely. Cincinnati gain a veteran pass rusher that ranked eighth in pass rush win rate in 2025, per ESPN.

The Cowboys lost out on the Maxx Crosby trade sweepstakes and will have to pivot — they reportedly had some interest in Hendrickson at the deadline. Oweh probably makes more sense as a younger upside swing, and this is the third of four NFC East teams in on Jaelan Phillips that we’ve heard about.

Schefter noted that one of his sources believed the deal was complete. Seattle ultimately chose to hang onto Mafe at the deadline. Mafe had 15 sacks between the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He does not have a sack this year and his playing time has dipped in back-to-back seasons. Even in the midst of a downswing, Mafe is worth more to a contending Seahawks team than future draft picks.

Both defenders are members of the Seahawks’ 2022 draft class, meaning they are headed for free agency in the spring. Woolen broke out as a rookie, but his play has slowly declined ever since. He is one of the few Seattle defenders who hasn’t found success in Mike Macdonald’s offense. Mafe totaled nine sacks in 2023 and six in 2024. He doesn’t have a sack this year and is stuck in a part-time role. A new home may be best for both players, and the Seahawks could get some extra draft capital for them instead of watching the duo walk in free agency.

Jones did not practice all week with an ankle injury and is out for Thursday’s game against the Cardinals. He has played sparingly in the Seahawks’ three games as depth for the offensive line. OG Anthony Bradford (back) and LB Boye Mafe (toe) are both listed as questionable while S Nick Emmanwori (ankle) is doubtful for Week 4.

Williams popped up on the practice report with a new foot injury, listed as a non-participant for Wednesday. He has 2.5 sacks starting eight games on the Seahawks’ defensive line this season. LB Boye Mafe (knee) was limited in practice as the Seahawks get out of the bye trying to get their defense healthy.

Seahawks S Julian Love (thigh) is also questionable, though multiple defenders appear ready to return. LB Jerome Baker (hamstring), LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee), EDGE Leonard Williams (ribs) and LB Derick Hall (hip) enter the game without injury designations.

The linebacker and defensive line injuries are mounting for the Seahawks, not exactly what you want to see with a game against the elite offensive line of the Lions on tap. The absences mark five typical starters in the front seven now out for Week 4.

Williams is one of five Seahawks front-seven defenders who have been unable to practice on both Thursday and Friday this week. The Seahawks play on Monday night. Rookie DT Byron Murphy II (hamstring) is expected to miss multiple weeks and LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee) has yet to take a regular season snap, although he was spotted wearing pads on Wednesday, before the official practice week began. LB Jerome Baker (hamstring) and LB Boye Mafe (knee) also remain sidelined.

Mafe leads Seahawks defenders in both pressures (15) and NFL sacks (2.0) so availability would go a long way toward pressuring the Dolphins Week 3 starting QB Skylar Thompson. Mafe’s Friday practice status has yet to be released but even limited participation would bode positively for his availability. Seahawks No. 3 S K’Von Wallace (shoulder) is also questionable for Week 3.